Wallaby fullback earns recall after 1316-day exile
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jock Campbell has emerged from almost four years in the international rugby wilderness to snare the prized fullback role for the Wallabies’ Nations Championship opener against Ireland.
After a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific season for the Queensland Reds, Campbell has beaten Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright to the No.15 jumper for Saturday’s Test in Sydney.
Campbell hasn’t played a Test since Australia’s win over Wales in Cardiff in 2022.
That was 1316 days ago.
While his selection is somewhat of a surprise, Campbell’s return is nothing but deserved after he gained selection in the Super Rugby Pacific team of the year in 2026.
Campbell will link with 21-year-old Jorgensen and fellow winger Dylan Pietsch in Australia’s back three at a sold-out Allianz Stadium.
Campbell’s Queensland teammate Josh Canham has been named for his first Test start, partnering Western Force captain Jeremy Williams in the second row.
Brumbies leader Ryan Lonergan is another who has earned his first run-on in Wallaby gold. He will wear the No.9 jersey, connecting with Carter Gordon, who will play flyhalf.
Reigning John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau has returned from England to join Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a star-studded centre pairing.
Angus Bell returns from his sabbatical in Belfast to start at loosehead prop against a number of his Ulster teammates.
Bell will complete a front row that includes hooker Josh Nasser and the highly experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Australia’s all-time appearance record holder James Slipper will officially make his comeback from Test retirement, named as the replacement loosehead prop for his 152nd Test.
Wallabies’ supporters will find a familiar back row to start the 2026 Test campaign, with two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini selected at blindside flanker, Reds skipper Fraser McReight at openside and Harry Wilson captaining the side at No.8.
“The group has reconnected quickly and we’ve worked hard over the past week to prepare as best we can for what is an exciting challenge against the No.3 team in world rugby,” said Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
“Kicking off 2026 at a sold-out Allianz Stadium gives the group a huge lift and we are fully focused on earning every bit of that home crowd support on Saturday.”
Australia: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Josh Canham, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lachie Shaw, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Tom Wright.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20.10 (11.10 IST; 10.10 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
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