Winger Filipo Daugunu and robust Rob Valetini are set to start for the Wallabies in the second Test against Wales this Saturday in Melbourne. Daugunu takes the left wing position while Valetini will be positioned as the blindside flanker.
Joining the squad in the reserves is Fijian Waratahs’ Number 8, Langi Gleeson, who has been added to the Match Day 23. Prop James Slipper will captain the side due to an injury that has sidelined backrower Liam Wright. This will mark the 15th occasion the 35-year-old will lead Australia, recently setting a record for the most caps by a front-rower.
With Wright’s absence, Slipper’s Brumbies teammate Charlie Cale will debut in the number eight position. Cale, one of seven debutants from last week’s victory, facilitates Valetini’s move to blindside flanker, replicating their club setup.
Coach Joe Schmidt has maintained the stability of the starting side, making significant adjustments to the bench. Highlighting these changes is the potential debut of Josh Nasser. Nasser, son of former Wallaby Brendan, will be among the front-row replacements with Isaac Kailea and Allan Alaalatoa.
Gleeson is set for his first Wallabies appearance in 2024, joining Angus Blyth. Experienced duo Nic White and Ben Donaldson, along with Dylan Pietsch, complete the interchange options.
The Wallabies will don their First Nations jersey in honor of NAIDOC week, with the match scheduled 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.