In a bold move that's shaking up the Wallabies lineup, head coach Joe Schmidt has overhauled his squad for the upcoming showdown with Japan in Tokyo, thrusting Nick Champion de Crespigny into the limelight as the new team captain. This marks Champion de Crespigny as the 92nd captain for the Wallabies and the sixth leader handpicked by Schmidt since his tenure began in 2024.
Schmidt's strategy includes a sweeping 13 changes to the starting lineup from their recent Rugby Championship bout against the All Blacks in Perth. The usual captain, Harry Wilson, finds himself on the bench, which signals a significant shift in team dynamics. Notably absent from the squad are Fraser McReight, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Taniela Tupou, while Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper are committed to their Premiership engagements with Exeter Chiefs.
The halfback pair of Tane Edmed and Jake Gordon remains unchanged in the wake of the Wallabies' loss to the All Blacks. The rest of the backline will see Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in midfield, Andrew Kellaway at full-back, with Corey Toole and Dylan Pietsch on the wings. The forward pack features Josh Nasser as hooker, flanked by props Angus Bell and Zane Nongorr, locks Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and a back row consisting of Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, and Rob Valetini at number eight.
On the bench, the Wallabies are set to introduce former All Black prop Aidan Ross, marking his debut and making him one of the rare players to have represented both New Zealand and Australia.
"It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces," said Schmidt. "The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home."
The Wallabies, who have never lost to Japan, are kicking off their end-of-year tour with this match. Their itinerary includes games against England, Italy, Ireland, and France, promising a thrilling season ender.
Wallabies team to play Japan:
Wallabies: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Corey Toole, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Harry Wilson, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Filipo Daugunu
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In a bold move that's shaking up the Wallabies lineup, head coach Joe Schmidt has overhauled his squad for the upcoming showdown with Japan in Tokyo, thrusting Nick Champion de Crespigny into the limelight as the new team captain. This marks Champion de Crespigny as the 92nd captain for the Wallabies and the sixth leader handpicked by Schmidt since his tenure began in 2024.
Schmidt's strategy includes a sweeping 13 changes to the starting lineup from their recent Rugby Championship bout against the All Blacks in Perth. The usual captain, Harry Wilson, finds himself on the bench, which signals a significant shift in team dynamics. Notably absent from the squad are Fraser McReight, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Taniela Tupou, while Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper are committed to their Premiership engagements with Exeter Chiefs.
The halfback pair of Tane Edmed and Jake Gordon remains unchanged in the wake of the Wallabies' loss to the All Blacks. The rest of the backline will see Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in midfield, Andrew Kellaway at full-back, with Corey Toole and Dylan Pietsch on the wings. The forward pack features Josh Nasser as hooker, flanked by props Angus Bell and Zane Nongorr, locks Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and a back row consisting of Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, and Rob Valetini at number eight.
On the bench, the Wallabies are set to introduce former All Black prop Aidan Ross, marking his debut and making him one of the rare players to have represented both New Zealand and Australia.
"It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces," said Schmidt. "The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home."
The Wallabies, who have never lost to Japan, are kicking off their end-of-year tour with this match. Their itinerary includes games against England, Italy, Ireland, and France, promising a thrilling season ender.
Wallabies team to play Japan:
Wallabies: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Corey Toole, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Harry Wilson, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Filipo Daugunu
Date: Saturday, October 25
Venue: National Stadium, Tokyo