Winger Filipo Daugunu and powerful forward Rob Valetini are set to start for the Wallabies in Saturday’s second Test against Wales in Melbourne. Daugunu will occupy the left wing position, while Valetini will play as the blindside flanker.
Joining the squad is Waratahs’ Number 8, Langi Gleeson, who has been added to the Match Day 23 and will be part of the reserves.
James Slipper will take over the captaincy due to an injury to backrower Liam Wright, which has ruled him out. This will be the 15th occasion that the 35-year-old Slipper captains Australia, recently having broken the record for most caps by a front-rower.
In Wright’s absence, Slipper’s Brumbies teammate Charlie Cale will make his debut start at number eight. Cale, one of seven debutants in last week’s victory, will take up the number eight position, pushing Valetini to blindside flanker, mirroring their roles at the Brumbies.
This is the only change to the starting lineup, with Coach Joe Schmidt making several alterations to the bench. Potential debutant Josh Nasser highlights the new additions to the reserves. Nasser, the son of former Wallaby Brendan, will join Isaac Kailea and Allan Alaalatoa as front-row replacements.
Gleeson is set to make his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2024, alongside Angus Blyth. The Western Force duo, Nic White and Ben Donaldson, add experience to the bench, along with Dylan Pietsch.
The Wallabies will don their First Nations jersey in recognition of NAIDOC week, with the match set to kick off at 9:45 pm.
Wallabies (1-15): James Slipper (C), Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Charlie Cale, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright.
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Langi Gleeson, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch.