New Test coach's big selection call
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Les Kiss has declared “there will be change” after recalling Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in his first big move as the newly installed Wallabies coach.
The crash-and-bash lock was named in the Super Rugby Pacific team of the year after providing supreme service for Kiss at the Queensland Reds this season.
But he has been an eye-catching exclusion from departed coach Joe Schmidt’s squads, both for last year’s British and Irish Lions tour and the opening three Nations Championship Tests.
Instead, he played for the Barbarians in the United Kingdom and in Brisbane club rugby in July and has now been thrust back into the fray for Tests against Eddie Jones’ Japan in Osaka and Townsville next month.
“No-one’s guaranteed, I make promises to no-one,” Kiss said after what he termed a “robust” conversation with coaches around the lock’s return.
“He’s worked hard … he’s ready.”
There will be plenty of competition for spots though, with starting second-rowers Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham impressing at set piece and general play in the three Tests this year.
Emerging locks Miles Amatosero and Lachlan Shaw both debuted off the bench in the last two Tests and have been retained in the squad.
There will be no grace period for the experienced tactician, with the World Cup on home soil from next October.
Salakaia-Loto’s return shows that Kiss, while sharing similar philosophies to the man he coached alongside in Ireland a decade ago, will bring differences to the role.
“Maybe my dad jokes are better,” Kiss, the former Queensland and Australian rugby league winger said of how he’ll differ from Schmidt.
“There will be change; I’m a different personality in some ways to Joe’s leadership.
“How that manifests, we’ll find out. I’ll just be me, driving what it is to be a new ‘us’.
“I want players to be themselves, bring their personalities to the fore. I want them to know our strength is in our diversity and who we are.”
Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy, while Top 14 prop Taniela Tupou will also remain with the side as the only overseas-based player.
“I think he’s grown and wants to grow further,” Kiss said of Wilson, who was thrust into the role by Schmidt despite not captaining the Reds.
“It wasn’t just because of the captaincy, but there was an understanding of … what leadership really is.”
Kiss said keeping Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at No.13, rather than shifting him to fullback or wing, would be his “starting point”.
That’s despite the absence of star No.12 Len Ikitau (ankle), who is fresh off minor surgery.
Versatile bulldozer Isaac Henry has earned his first Wallabies squad call-up and could partner Suaalii in the centres, although 35-Test Reds teammate Hunter Paisami is also in the squad.
Flyhalf Carter Gordon has overcome the leg issue that kept him out of the last two Tests, and will either compete with Declan Meredith and Ben Donaldson for the No.10 jersey or provide a left-field option at No.12.
ACT Brumbies flanker Charlie Cale is back in the mix with England-based Tom Hooper (shoulder) injured.
Keen to add depth in the front row, NSW Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea has been recalled with James Slipper omitted, while Reds hooker Josh Nasser will also travel after suffering a concussion against France.
Kiss spoke to utility back Jordan Petaia, who will begin a stint in Japanese club rugby after playing in France last season and embarking on a short-lived NFL stint with LA Chargers.
“Jordy’s there, working away and we’ll keep looking at him,” Kiss said.
“I won’t be afraid to look overseas, but … respect what we’ve got here.”
WALLABIES SQUAD: Allan Alaalatoa, Miles Amatosero, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (captain), Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.
