Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon will play his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, named to start against Italy on Saturday afternoon (local time).
The 24-year-old flyhalf will partner with Jake Gordon in the halves, the latter having made his debut in Italy back in 2018.
Darling Downs junior Matt Faessler will pull on the gold jersey for the first time since the British & Irish Lions Series, having fully recovered from a calf injury, named to start at hooker alongside run on props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.
Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will continue to build on their second row partnership at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
Tom Hooper has been recalled to the side at blindside flanker, where he will re-establish a loose forward trio with openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson.
ACT Brumbies winger Corey Toole has been selected on the right edge, with last weekend’s try scorer Harry Potter retained on the left wing. Andrew Kellaway starts at fullback for the third straight Test.
Billy Pollard shifts to the bench as the replacement hooker, with Aidan Ross selected for his second Wallabies Test as the substitute loosehead prop. His Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr is the replacement tighthead.
Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini will provide punch off the bench, while Pete Samu has earned selection in what will be his first Test since 2023, having recently returned to Australian Rugby.
Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan continues to build experience at Test level, selected for his fourth match in Wallaby gold, with Tane Edmed named as the replacement flyhalf. Filipo Daugunu earns another chance to showcase his versatility after being named in the 23 jersey.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend.
“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.
Wallabies team to play Italy
1. Angus Bell (47 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Matt Faessler (15 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (66 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (35 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (22 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Tom Hooper (19 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (36 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (33 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (34 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Carter Gordon (8 Tests) – #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Harry Potter (8 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (34 Tests) – #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (15 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Corey Toole (5 Tests) – #992; Wagga Crows
15. Andrew Kellaway (47 Tests) – #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (18 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Aidan Ross (1 Test) – #994; Bond University
18. Zane Nonggorr (17 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Rob Valetini (59 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Pete Samu (33 Tests) – #920; Moorabbin Rams
21. Ryan Lonergan (3 Tests) – #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Tane Edmed (6 Tests) – #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Filipo Daugunu (17 Tests) – #931, Wests Bulldogss
