Winger Filipo Daugunu and the formidable Rob Valetini have been named as starters for the Wallabies in Saturday’s second Test against Wales in Melbourne. Daugunu will be positioned on the left wing, while Valetini will play as the blindside flanker.
Waratahs’ Number 8, Langi Gleeson, another Fijian player, has been added to the Match Day 23 and will feature on the reserves bench. Prop James Slipper will assume the captaincy duties.
Slipper is captaining the side due to backrower Liam Wright’s injury, which has ruled him out of the game. This marks the 15th time the 35-year-old has led Australia, recently setting a record for the most caps for a front-rower.
With Wright’s absence, Slipper’s Brumbies teammate Charlie Cale will make his debut start at number eight. Cale’s inclusion shifts Valetini to the blindside flanker, replicating the set-up they have at the Brumbies.
This is the only change to the starting lineup, with Coach Joe Schmidt making several adjustments to the bench. Notably, potential debutant Josh Nasser has been included.
Nasser, the son of former Wallaby Brendan Nasser, joins Isaac Kailea and Allan Alaalatoa as the front-row replacements. Gleeson has been named for his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2024 alongside Angus Blyth.
Western Force duo Nic White and Ben Donaldson complete the changes, offering an experienced combination off the bench along with Dylan Pietsch.
The Wallabies will don their First Nations jersey in honor of NAIDOC week, with the match set to kick off at 9.45pm.
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.