The Wallabies center, Hunter Paisami, could be one of the key players for Australia who will have the opportunity to fight for a regular spot in the starting team, as coach Joe Schmidt prepares to make multiple changes for the single match against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
Paisami is set to replace John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau at number 12, after the world-class midfielder officially began his nine-month stint with English club Exeter, in the 38-0 victory over Harlequins on Sunday.
The absence of Ikitau, 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 represents an ideal 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 also who can cover that number 12 jersey.
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 a fresh Paisami will likely get the nod.
While Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was included directly in the starting team for the Wallabies against England after his switch from rugby league last year, Schmidt has Tane Edmed at his disposal as fly-half, and the playmaker who will join the Brumbies has already enjoyed two starts in the Rugby Championship. In addition, Rob Valetini looks set to be a certain starter after recovering from injury off the bench, the Brumbies flanker will seemingly slot straight into the number 6 jersey vacated by Hooper, while Fraser McReight’s heavy workload means Carlo Tizzano could finally get a chance in the number 7 jersey. 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 luxury substitute this season behind Slipper, could finally get a chance in the number 1 jersey after the Waratahs’ front row, who will take up a position with Ulster after the Wallabies’ spring tour, completely missed the defeat against 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 the revenge narrative, certainly has extra significance for the wider Australian rugby community. But it’s also a dangerous match, in a way, as Australia has everything to lose and nothing to gain from a world ranking perspective, which is increasingly important in the countdown to the 2027 World Cup draw in Sydney in December.Carter, being number 10 in the team, there are quite a few possibilities that he can participate (against Japan).
Joe Schmidt
