Massimo set to become Wallaby 1000 against Japan
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The 1000th Wallaby is poised to be capped in Townsville after hulking prop Massimo De Lutiis was named on the bench to face Japan.
Les Kiss, in his second game in charge, has also recalled No.10 Carter Gordon at Declan Meredith’s expense.
And with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii injured, he’s given Isaac Henry a starting debut at outside centre a week, after he earned his first minutes in a tight Osaka defeat of Eddie Jones’s side.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s Test return has also been secured, the Queensland Reds firebrand set to partner Lachlan Shaw – in his starting debut – in the second row, with Jeremy Williams on the bench and Josh Canham rested.
Kiss has also shaken up the back row, with Charlie Cale and Carlo Tizzano to partner skipper Harry Wilson, leaving Fraser McReight on the bench and Rob Valetini out of the 23.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa will get his chance under Kiss as replacement hooker while Filipo Daugunu has also been included on the bench as backline cover.
Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou also return to the starting side after stirring second-half cameos in Osaka, while the back three are unchanged and Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson again provide playmaking options on the bench.
It continues the theme of Kiss’s tenure, with the new coach keen to assess his options before a long run of Tests ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan,” Kiss said.
“The whole group has worked hard this week and we know where we need to improve.
“This Saturday in Townsville gives us an opportunity to grow and strengthen our game on home soil in front of our supporters.”
Gordon impressed at flyhalf against Ireland, before missing the next two Tests with a calf injury.
Meredith started in the past three Tests alongside Brumbies clubmate Ryan Lonergan, who has been retained at No.9.
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Issac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Charlie Cale, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Lachlan Shaw, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Date: Saturday, August 15
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Kick-off: 15.15 (14.15 JST; 05.15 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey (New Zealand), Marcus Playle (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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