Wallabies team: No.999 to wait patiently from the bench as ‘privilege and responsibility’ issued to those in gold
Wallabies team: No.999 to wait patiently from the bench as 'privilege and responsibility' issued to those in gold
Les Kiss has named his first matchday 23 as Wallabies head coach as he prepares his side to face Japan in Osaka on Saturday.
Forwards Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero have been awarded their first starts in Wallaby gold, while centre Isaac Henry waits patiently from the bench to become Wallaby number 999 in what will be his international debut.
Versatile Reds prop Ross will step in at loosehead prop in what is his fourth Test in the gold jersey, having made his Australian debut against the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo last year. He will join the ever-present tighthead Allan Alaalatoa in the front-row, with Josh Nasser returning to the starting line-up at hooker.
The Wallabies possess an impressive front-row replacement set, with Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou all prepared to turn the screw when they inevitably arrive off the bench.
Amatosero will make just his second appearance in the gold jersey of Australia, starting in the second-row alongside Josh Canham for the clash at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, while Western Force captain Jeremy Williams is the lock replacement.
The back-row consists of the experienced trio of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson, all of whom will be vital in ensuring that the Wallabies slow down the Japanese front-foot ball. Brumbies Charlie Cale will provide bench cover, having been named for his first appearance in Wallaby gold since 2024.
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Consistency growing at half-back
Ryan Lonergan will add to his eight caps, keeping the experienced Tate McDermott out of the starting team. He’s joined at half-back by Brumbies number 10 Declan Meredith in their third consecutive Test as half-back partners. Ben Donaldson provides cover at fly-half, although he is comfortable settling into full-back if required.
In the midfield, Reds powerhouse Hunter Paisami starts at inside centre, combining with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, with Henry expected to replace one of the two in the latter stages of the game.
The outside backs consist of former Leicester Tigers star Harry Potter, 21-year-old Max Jorgensen and Brumbies full-back Tom Wright.
Speaking about the upcoming Test match, Wallabies head coach Kiss said: “Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches.
“The players selected now have the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the gold jersey and we know they’ll do everything they can to earn the support of all Australians when they take to the field in Osaka on Saturday night.”
Wallabies team to face Japan
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Charlie Cale, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Isaac Henry
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Date: Saturday, 8 August, 2026
Venue: Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
Kick-off: 12:05 (SAST), 11:05 (UK), 12:05 (France), 20:05 (7 August, AEST), 22:05 (7 August, New Zealand), 07:05 (Argentina), 19:05 (JST), 06:05 (EDT)
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZR), Morgan White (HKCR)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
FPRO: Matt Rodden (HKCR)
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