Wallabies Surprise: New Captain and Radical Changes vs Japan

Joe Schmidt Makes Strategic Changes for the Wallabies’ Clash Against Japan

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made key decisions for the upcoming match against Japan, opting to preserve key players like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen. These young talents will not be part of the 23-player squad that will face Japan this Saturday. Schmidt’s strategy focuses on balancing youth with experience, paving the way for the return of Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch. Both players, recovered from injuries, have been included in the starting XV. Schmidt confirmed the lineup on Thursday, anticipating significant changes for the clash against the Brave Blossoms, led by Eddie Jones. The team will seek stability with the continuity of Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed in the midfield, who have already proven their worth in the match against the All Blacks. However, new combinations will be seen in the back lines, the center of the field, the third line, the second line and the first line, compared to the team that lost against the All Blacks. Kellaway and Pietsch will join Corey Toole in the back line, while Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will form the midfield, representing the Queensland Reds.

Nick Champion de Crespigny Will Lead the Wallabies

In a notable decision, Schmidt has named Nick Champion de Crespigny as captain, in what will be his third international match. Champion de Crespigny replaces Harry Wilson at number 6, while his Western Force teammate, Carlo Tizzano, will have the opportunity to play at number 7. Rob Valetini completes the Australian back row at number 8.

“Nick has been captain of 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,” Schmidt commented on his choice of captain. “He is part of our leadership team and will be well supported by Jeremy Williams and Lukan Salakai-Lotto, who will take care of the line. And obviously, with Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed playing for the Waratahs and playing a couple of games together, they will also support Nick a lot”.
Joe Schmidt

Schmidt defended his decision not to choose more experienced players like Gordon or Williams, who have been captains in their Super Rugby teams. “One of the things is that Jake has only had one return match and is very focused on trying to improve his own game,” he explained. “Nick has been with us consistently week after week and is part of the leadership group anyway, so it was a natural progression for him. Particularly in the context that Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will lead the line, and Jake and Tane will lead the team. Nick is a leader by his actions and will want to be in the center of the action as much as he can.” The final changes in the forward pack include Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto forming a new locking pair, 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 back together late last week in Sydney and welcome a couple of new faces,” Schmidt said. “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.” Schmidt will once again have Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson on the bench, while Aidan Ross could become the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in test rugby, after being included among the substitutes.

Meanwhile, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have been called up by the Wallabies after impressing with Australia A in their 70-7 victory over Japan XV last weekend, while Ryan Lonergan will have another opportunity to develop his international experience as a replacement scrum-half, with Filipo Daugunu completing the 23.

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