Wallabies Surprise: New Captain and Changes vs. Japan in Rugby

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has decided to rest stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen for the next match against England, leaving them out of the 23 players who will face Japan on Saturday. This decision is offset by the return of the talented Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch, who have been included in the starting XV after recovering from hamstring and jaw injuries, respectively. Schmidt confirmed the lineup on Thursday afternoon, where a significant transformation is expected for the clash against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms. The Wallabies will maintain some stability with the halfback pairing of Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed, who have been retained from the Bledisloe Cup defeat in Perth. However, they will present new combinations in the backline, center, back row, second row and front row, compared to the team that lost to the All Blacks. Kellaway and Pietsch will join Corey Toole in the backs, while Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will form the midfield, representing the Queensland Reds. In addition, Schmidt has named flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny as captain, in what will be his third international match. Champion de Crespigny replaces regular captain Harry Wilson at number 6, while his Western Force teammate, Carlo Tizzano, will get the opportunity at number 7, with Fraser McReight receiving rest. Rob Valetini completes the third Australian line at number 8.

Nick has captained the University of Sydney in the past, was vice-captain of the Western Force when they played against the British & Irish Lions, so he has recent leadership experience. He is part of our leadership team and will be very well supported by Jeremy Williams and Lukan Salakai-Lotto, who will be in charge of the line-out.
Joe Schmidt

The coach defended his decision not to use more experienced players like Gordon or Williams, who have been captains of their Super Rugby teams. The final changes in the forward pack include Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto forming a new locking partnership, while Queensland’s Zane Nonggorr will make his first start in the front row, alongside Josh Nasser and Angus Bell.

It was great to get the group together late last week in Sydney and welcome a couple of new faces. The players have acclimatized well here in Tokyo and the whole team is aware of the threat posed by the Brave Blossoms. They play hard and fast and are very difficult to beat, especially at home.
Joe Schmidt

Schmidt will also have Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson on the bench, while Aidan Ross has the possibility of becoming the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in international rugby, after being included among the substitutes. In addition, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have been called up after impressing in Australia A’s 70-7 victory over Japan XV last weekend, while Ryan Lonergan will have another opportunity to gain international experience as a substitute scrum-half, with Filipo Daugunu completing the 23.