Australia welcome back key figure for England tussle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia head coach Les Kiss has revealed his matchday squad to face England in the Nations Championship at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Kiss has handed Brumbies loose forward Fraser McReight his 50th cap, and he’ll start at openside flank alongside Jeremy Williams and Harry Wilson.
Len Ikitau returns to the team, having missed the last Test against the All Blacks due to the HIA protocols.
He reignites a midfield combination alongside Isaac Henry, who will play his first Test in the United Kingdom.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to the venue of his Test debut back in 2024, named on the right wing with Max Jorgensen on the left wing, while Tom Wright will start at fullback for the 10th straight Test.
The Brumbies duo of Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith will start at scrumhalf and flyhalf, respectively, while Queensland Reds Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are the lock pairing.
Angus Bell returns as the starting loosehead prop, combining with Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Less Kiss said they’ve prepared well for the fixture and are relishing facing England in their backyard.
“The entire squad has travelled well and prepared with fantastic energy and excitement heading into this weekend,” he said.
“Playing England on their home turf – at an iconic venue like Twickenham – is a massive challenge and another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against world-class opposition and keep building our game.”
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jeremy Williams, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Billy Pollard, and 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Kick-off: 15.10 UK & IRE (15.10 GMT; 02.10 AEDT Monday, November 9)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jérémy Rozier (France)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)
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