Joe Schmidt Makes Strategic Changes for the Wallabies’ Clash Against Japan
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has chosen to rest his stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen for the next match against England, excluding them from the 23-player squad that will face Japan this Saturday. This decision to preserve young talents is offset by the return of experienced Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch, who join the starting XV 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 maintain some stability with the halfback pairing of Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed, who were retained after the Bledisloe Cup defeat in Perth. However, the team 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 back line, while Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will form the midfield, representing the Queensland Reds. In addition, Schmidt has named 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 have the opportunity to play at number 7, with Fraser McReight receiving rest. Rob Valetini completes the third Australian line at number 8.“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.” The coach defended his decision not to use more experienced players like Gordon or Williams, who have been captains of their Super Rugby teams. “One of the things is that Jake has only played one game and is very focused on improving his own game,” he said. “Nick has been with us constantly 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 lineout, and Jake and Tane will direct the team. “Nick is a leader with his actions and will want to be at the center of the action as much as possible.” 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.“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,” Schmidt said of his decision to name de Crespigny as captain. “He is part of our leadership team and will be supported by Jeremy Williams and Lukan Salakai-Lotto, who will be in charge of the line-out.”
Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Coach
“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 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.“It was great to get the group together late last week in Sydney and welcome a couple of new faces,” Schmidt said.
Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Coach
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 substitute scrum-half, with Filipo Daugunu completing the 23.
Contents
Australia’s Team to Face Japan
- Andrew Kellaway
- Corey Toole
- Josh Flook
- Hunter Paisami
- Dylan Pietsch
- Tane Edmed
- Jake Gordon
- Rob Valetini
- Carlo Tizzano
- Nick Champion de Crespigny
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
- Jeremy Williams
- Zane Nonggorr
- Josh Nasser
- Angus Bell
