Joe Schmidt Makes Strategic Changes for the Wallabies’ Clash Against Japan
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has chosen to rest 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 strategic decision seeks to balance the squad with the return of key players. The absence of young talents is compensated by the return of Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch, who join the starting team after recovering from injuries. Schmidt confirmed the lineup on Thursday, anticipating significant changes for the match against the Brave Blossoms. The Australian team will maintain some stability with the midfield duo of Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed, who were selected for the match in Perth. However, new combinations will be seen in the back line, center, back row, second row, and front row compared to the team that lost against the All Blacks. Kellaway and Pietsch will be joined by 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
Nick Champion de Crespigny, in his third international match, will assume the leadership of the team. He will replace Harry Wilson in the number 6 position. Carlo Tizzano will have the opportunity to play in the number 7 position, while Fraser McReight will rest. Rob Valetini completes the Australian third line at number 8.Schmidt defended his decision not to call on more experienced players, such as Gordon or Williams, who have been captains in their Super Rugby teams. Changes in the forward pack include Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto as the 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 bring the group together in Sydney and welcome some new faces,” Schmidt said. “The players have acclimatized well 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 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 international rugby. Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart return to the team after impressing in Australia A’s victory over Japan XV. Ryan Lonergan will have another opportunity as a scrum-half substitute, with Filipo Daugunu completing the 23.“Nick has been captain in the past, he has recent leadership experience,” Schmidt commented on the decision to name de Crespigny captain. “He is part of our leadership team and will have the support of Jeremy Williams and Lukan Salakai-Lotto, who will be in charge of the line-out”.
Joe 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-Lotto
- Jeremy Williams
- Zane Nonggorr
- Josh Nasser
- Angus Bell
