Flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny will captain Australia in just his third Test as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt rests a host of players for Saturday’s clash with Japan in Tokyo.
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Regular skipper Harry Wilson is part of the 23-man squad, but will start on the bench, with Schmidt having a selection eye on the following weekend’s Test against England in London
Stars not in the 23 for the battle with the Eddie Jones-coached Japan include flanker Fraser McReight, props Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou, centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and winger Max Jorgensen.
Also missing from the squad is flyhalf Carter Gordon, who was named in Australia’s spring Tour squad after returning to rugby union following a short stint with NRL club Gold Coast.
Despite Saturday’s starting team including a host of more experienced players, including halfback Jake Gordon, back-rower Rob Valetini, prop Angus Bell and fullback Andrew Kellaway, Champion de Crespigny got the captaincy nod and will become the Wallabies’ 92nd skipper.
“It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces,” Schmidt said,
“The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms (Japan) pose.
“They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home.”
The squad also includes a potential debutant in prop Aidan Ross, who will become just the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test rugby if he gets game time off the bench.
Wallabies: Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Corey Toole, Andrew Kellaway. Bench: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Josh Canham, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu.
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