Australia Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has unveiled a bold squad ahead of their clash with Wales at Allianz Stadium, announcing seven players set to make their Wallabies debut this weekend.
Leading the team will be Liam Wright, who captains the side from blindside flanker, alongside Queensland Reds teammate Fraser McReight and Brumbies’ Rob Valetini in the starting back row.
Among the new faces in the starting lineup are hooker Matt Faessler and tight head prop Taniela Tupou, both earning their first Wallabies starts. Joining them will be Jeremy Williams, making his Test debut in the second row alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who returns to international duty.
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In the halves, NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon partners with Noah Lolesio, continuing their established partnership. The midfield sees Reds duo Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook bringing their combination to the international stage, with Flook making his debut as the outside centre.
Tom Wright returns at fullback, flanked by Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu on the wings. The bench features Billy Pollard as substitute hooker, with Allan Alaalatoa and potential debutant Isaac Kailea providing cover in the front row.
Angus Blyth and Charlie Cale are also poised for potential debuts, set to feature in the second row and back row, respectively. Tate McDermott provides backup as the substitute scrumhalf, while Tom Lynagh is set to become the twelfth son of a Wallaby to don the gold jersey.
Completing the match day 23 is Dylan Pietsch, named on the bench with the opportunity to make his Wallabies debut.
Wallabies team to play Wales at Allianz Stadium, Sydney on Saturday 6 July
Starting XV
1. James Slipper (134 Tests) – Bond Pirates
2. Matt Faessler (5 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (50 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Jeremy Williams* – Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (30 Tests) – Randwick
6. Liam Wright (c) (5 Tests) – Easts Tigers
7. Fraser McReight (17 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Rob Valetini (39 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
9. Jake Gordon (20 Tests) – Canterbury Berries
10. Noah Lolesio (17 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Filipo Daugunu (7 Tests) – Wests Bulldogs
12. Hunter Paisami (24 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Josh Flook* – Brothers Rugby
14. Andrew Kellaway (26 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (25 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (1 Test) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Isaac Kailea** – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Allan Alaalatoa (67 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Angus Blyth** – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
20. Charlie Cale** – Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
21. Tate McDermott (28 Tests) – Flinders Rugby
22. Tom Lynagh** – University of Queensland
23. Dylan Pietsch** – Leeton Phantoms
*denotes debut
**denotes potential debut
