Wallabies: Paisami and Gordon lead changes vs Japan, Schmidt bets on the future

The Wallabies center, Hunter Paisami, could be one of the Australian players vying for a regular spot in the starting team, as coach Joe Schmidt prepares several changes for the individual test against Japan in Tokyo this Saturday. Paisami is set to replace John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau at inside centre. Ikitau, who is a world-class player, began his nine-month stint with English club Exeter in the Chiefs’ 38-0 victory over Harlequins on Sunday. Ikitau participated in one of the five Exeter trials in a solid performance alongside his Brumbies and Wallabies teammate, Tom Hooper, who also made his official Premiership debut. The absence of Ikitau and Hooper from Schmidt’s team, along with that of Will Skelton and the retirement of James Slipper, means that there will be at least four changes in the starting XV of Australia that will face the Brave Blossoms. This seems to be the perfect opportunity for Paisami to prove his worth, as his only other start this season was in the close defeat against Argentina in Sydney.

We are eager, obviously; there are some of us here, we have Hamish (Stewart), Filipo Daugunu as well, who can cover that number 12 position.

Hunter Paisami

So for us it’s just pushing each other, competing, that way we can improve and hopefully get more game time in the 12 spot.

Hunter Paisami

Obviously, with the quality and consistency that Joey (Suaalii) and Len (Ikitau) have been showing, it’s quite difficult to move away from that.

Hunter Paisami

Schmidt could also consider Hamish Stewart at inside centre, but the fact that the Western Force midfielder was part of Australia A’s resounding 71-7 victory over Japan XV suggests Paisami is likely to get the nod.

Stewart could offer coverage on the bench as an opener and in the midfield, although Schmidt indicated last week that playmaker Carter Gordon was in line for an immediate opportunity after completing his switch from the Gold Coast Titans.

Carter, being number 10 on the team, there’s a good chance he might participate (against Japan).

Joe Schmidt

If we don’t invest now, we’re not going to see any benefits within two years, when that home World Cup will still be a great opportunity to really show what we can do in the game here in Australia.

Joe Schmidt

While Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was directly included in the Wallabies’ starting team against England after his switch from rugby league last year, Schmidt has Tane Edmed available as fly-half, and the Brumbies playmaker has already enjoyed two starts in the Rugby Championship. On the other hand, Rob Valetini looks to be a sure starter after recovering from injury off the bench, the Brumbies’ flanker will apparently slot straight into the number 6 position vacated by Hooper, while Fraser McReight’s heavy workload means Carlo Tizzano could finally get a chance at the number 7 position. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams appear to be the most likely replacement options for Skelton, while Andrew Kellaway’s return from injury gives Schmidt more versatility in his three-quarter contingent. And Angus Bell, who has been largely used as a substitute this season behind Slipper, could finally get a chance at the number 1 spot after the Waratahs’ front-rower, who will take a break with Ulster after the Wallabies’ spring tour, completely missed the defeat to the All Blacks in Perth. Schmidt will confirm his team on Thursday afternoon for a match that, although the Wallabies themselves might not be buying into Eddie Jones’ revenge narrative, certainly has extra significance for the Australian rugby community in general. But it’s also a dangerous match, in a way, as Australia has everything to lose and nothing to gain from the perspective of world rankings, which is increasingly important in the countdown to the 2027 World Cup draw in Sydney in December.