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 this 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 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, but will present new combinations in the backs, center, back row, second row and front row compared to the team that lost against the All Blacks. Kellaway and Pietsch join Corey Toole in the backs, while Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook form a center pairing for the Queensland Reds. In addition, Schmidt has named flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny as captain in his third match as an international. Champion de Crespigny replaces regular captain Harry Wilson at number 6, while his Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano will finally get his chance at number 7, with Fraser McReight, another starting player, resting this weekend. Rob Valetini completes the Australian back row at number 8.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 see 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, joining Josh Nasser and Angus Bell. Schmidt also highlighted the importance of the threat posed by the Brave Blossoms, who play with intensity and speed, making them very difficult to beat, especially at home. Schmidt will look for strength from the bench again with the inclusion of Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson, 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. Meanwhile, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have been called up to the Wallabies again after impressing with Australia A in their 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.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 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.
Schmidt
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
