Carter Gordon will play for Australia for the first time since the 2023 World Cup after being selected by Joe Schmidt for Saturday’s match against Italy.
The rugby league defector will start at flyhalf in Udine, the Wallabies’ third Test of their November tour after missing the 19-15 win over Japan and last weekend’s 25-7 defeat to England with injury.
“The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend,” said Schmidt.
“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.”
Gordon was rushed back into the Wallabies squad in order to add some creativity to a squad lacking playmakers, and was selected for the tour shortly after being released by NRL club the Gold Coast Titans and moving to Super Rugby’s Queensland Reds.
The 24-year-old replaces Tane Edmed, who has started the last three matches for Australia at No 10, and will partner scrumhalf Jake Gordon.
Harry Potter, who scored Australia’s try against England at Twickenham, retains his spot on the left wing, as does Andrew Kellaway at fullback.
WALLABIES –15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Corey Toole, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell.
Bench: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Zane Nonggor, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Photo: Kenta Harada/Getty Images
The post Code-switcher makes Wallabies return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Carter Gordon will play for Australia for the first time since the 2023 World Cup after being selected by Joe Schmidt for Saturday’s match against Italy.
The post Code-switcher makes Wallabies return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
