Rob Valetini, who won the John Eales Medal, is set to start for the Wallabies in their upcoming match against England on Sunday. Veteran centre Samu Kerevi will not be part of the selection. Adding to the squad depth, Langi Gleeson has been named in the reserves, while rising star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is poised to make his debut as the 17th player introduced under coach Joe Schmidt, taking his place in the centre.
Ikitau will transition to the inside centre for the first time at the international level, enabling Suaalii to occupy the outside centre position. This change represents the only adjustment to the starting lineup from the second Bledisloe Cup match, as Schmidt maintains confidence in his team’s synergy, beginning with the front row that includes Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, and Taniela Tupou.
Former captain Will Skelton will not be immediately reintroduced, as Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will start in the second row. Valetini will be approaching the milestone of 50 Test caps, playing in his 49th match for Australia, while Harry Wilson continues his role as captain alongside Fraser McReight.
The halfback pairing remains consistent with Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio, while Dylan Pietsch, Andrew Kellaway, and Tom Wright form the back three. Schmidt has made a pair of changes to the bench, bringing back Wallaby Test cap record holder James Slipper, who is on track to tie with Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll for fifth place in all-time Test caps, with a total of 141.
Max Jorgensen has also returned to the matchday squad after recovering from an illness, joining fellow backs replacements Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott. Coach Schmidt expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, emphasizing their readiness for the rigorous challenge ahead in front of passionate home crowds at some of the world’s most famous rugby stadiums.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:10 AM on Sunday at Allianz Stadium in London.
This match offers an exciting opportunity for both established players and debutants alike, showcasing the depth and potential of Australian rugby. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the new combinations perform on this prestigious stage.
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