Wallabies: Surprising Captain Change and Lineup vs Japan

Joe Schmidt Makes Strategic Changes for the Match Against Japan

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 join the starting team after recovering from hamstring and jaw injuries, respectively. Schmidt confirmed his team for the match on Thursday afternoon, revealing significant changes for the clash against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms. The Wallabies will have the stability of the halfback pairing formed by Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed, who are retained from the match against the All Blacks in Perth. However, they will present new combinations in the backs, the center, the back row, the second row and the front row compared to the team that lost against 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.

Nick Champion de Crespigny Will Lead the Wallabies

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. His Western Force teammate, Carlo Tizzano, will have the opportunity to play at number 7, while Fraser McReight will rest this weekend. Rob Valetini completes the Australian back row 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 lineup.
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 second-row pairing, 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. 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 look to the bench again for strength with Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson, while Aidan Ross has the potential to become the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in test rugby after being included among the substitutes. 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 substitute scrum-half, with Filipo Daugunu completing the 23.