Wallabies bring in new playmaker for Italy
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon will play his first Test since the 2023 World Cup, named to start against Italy on Saturday.
The 24-year-old flyhalf will partner with Jake Gordon in the halves, the latter having made his debut in Italy back in 2018.
Darling Downs junior Matt Faessler will pull on the gold jersey for the first time since the British & Irish Lions Series, having fully recovered from a calf injury, named to start at hooker alongside run-on props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.
Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will continue to build on their second row partnership at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
Tom Hooper has been recalled to the side at blindside flanker, where he will re-establish a loose forward trio with openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson.
Brumbies winger Corey Toole has been selected on the right edge, with last weekend’s try scorer Harry Potter retained on the left wing. Andrew Kellaway starts at fullback for the third straight Test.
Billy Pollard shifts to the bench as the replacement hooker, with Aidan Ross selected for his second Wallabies Test as the substitute loosehead prop. His Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr is the replacement tighthead.
Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini will provide punch off the bench, while Pete Samu has earned selection in what will be his first Test since 2023, having recently returned to Australian Rugby.
Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan continues to build experience at Test level, selected for his fourth match in Wallaby gold, with Tane Edmed named as the replacement flyhalf. Filipo Daugunu earns another chance to showcase his versatility after being named in the 23 jersey.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend.
“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.”
Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Corey Toole, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Kick-off: 18.40 (04.40 AEDT, Sunday, November 9; 17.40 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Adam Leal (England), George Selwood (England)
TMO: Dan Jones (England)
