Wallabies: Rookie prop backed to tackle mighty Springboks scrum as Joe Schmidt snubs Marika Koroibete
Joe Schmidt has named his Wallabies 23 to tackle the Springboks in Brisbane.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has selected two uncapped players in his matchday 23 to tackle the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Australia head into their Rugby Championship opener off the back of two wins over Wales and a victory over Georgia as they kicked off the Schmidt era in style.
Wallabies team v Springboks
For the challenge of tackling the back-to-back world champions, the Wallabies boss has handed flanker Carlo Tizzano a Test debut in the number seven jumper following the injury to Fraser McReight.
Tizzano starts at openside flanker for the sold-out Test with Rob Valetini packing down on the other side of the scrum and Harry Wilson completing the back-row. Replacement flanker Luke Reimer is also primed to make his debut off the bench.
After a strong July off the bench for the Wallabies, Isaac Kailea is entrusted with a starting role at loosehead prop against the Boks’ mighty scrum – earning his first start after three appearances from the bench.
The impressive 24-year-old prop is joined by hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa in the front-row, the latter captaining the side.
In the engine room, Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto combine as the starting locks.
Jake Gordan and Noah Lolesio are the starting half-backs with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau combing in the centres.
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After being unceremoniously dropped by Eddie Jones last year, Tom Wright earns his fourth consecutive start at full-back of 2024 and is joined in the back three by wingers Filipo Daugunu and Andrew Kellaway.
There is no space in the matchday 23 for returning Wallabies veteran Marika Koroibete or experienced scrum-half Nic White as Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh and Dylan Pietsch provide backline cover on the bench.
Josh Nasser is the replacement hooker with Test centurion James Slipper and Zane Nonggorr the substitute props. Jeremy Williams and Reimer are the two other replacement forwards in a 5-3 split on the bench.
“There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on,” Wallabies coach Schmidt said.
“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”
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Australia’s team to face South Africa
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Isaac Kailea
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Dylan Pietsch
Date: Saturday, August 10
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 14:45 local time (05:45 BST, 04:45 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
