Wallaby Team Named For Boks’ Brisbane Visit
West Australian junior Carlo Tizzano will make his Test debut for the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday (6:45).
Tizzano will start at openside flanker in the sold-out Test, joining Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the backrow at Suncorp Stadium against the Rugby World Cup winning Springboks.
Allan Alaalatoa will again captain the side as the starting tighthead prop, combining with hooker Matt Faessler and the 24-year-old Isaac Kailea in the front row.
Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will start in the second row, while Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio have been recalled as the run-on halves pairing.
Queensland’s Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau will continue their partnership in the midfield at inside and outside centre respectively.
Tom Wright earns his fourth consecutive start at fullback with Filipo Daugunu and Andrew Kellaway named on the wings, to form a familiar back three so far in 2024.
Easts Tigers junior Josh Nasser will play his first Test in front of his home crowd, joined by Test centurion James Slipper and Gold Coast product Zane Nonggorr in the substitute front row.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams will provide versatility across the forward cover, while the Brumbies’ Luke Reimer is in line for a potential Test debut via the pine.
Queensland pair Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will be in familiar territory on their home turf as the replacement scrumhalf and flyhalf, with Dylan Pietsch finalising the match day 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on.
“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”