Wallabies coach Les Kiss has made eight changes to his starting side for Saturday’s return clash against Japan in Townsville, with Carter Gordon returning at flyhalf.
Australia edged the Brave Blossoms 35-32 in Osaka last weekend in Kiss’ first match in charge, but the gruelling heat and humidity took its toll on both teams.
Kiss has opted to rotate his squad for the second Test, with only Josh Nasser and captain Harry Wilson retained in the pack.
Gordon returns from a calf injury at flyhalf in place of Declan Meredith and will link up with Ryan Lonergan at scrumhalf.
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There is one further change among the backs, with Isaac Henry making his first start at inside centre in place of the injured Joseph Suaalii. Henry will form a midfield partnership with Reds teammate Hunter Paisami, who moves to outside centre.
The back three remains unchanged for a third consecutive Test, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.
The Wallabies have made wholesale changes up front.
Experienced props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell return to join Nasser in the front row, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lachlan Shaw forming a new second-row partnership.
Charlie Cale makes his first start at blindside flank, with Carlo Tizzano at openside and Wilson anchoring the pack at No 8.
“The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan,” said Kiss.
“The whole group has worked hard this week and we know where we need to improve. This Saturday in Townsville gives us an opportunity to grow and strengthen our game on home soil in front of our supporters.”
WALLABIES – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Charlie Cale, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Bench: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Photo: Kenta Harada/Getty Images
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Wallabies coach Les Kiss has made eight changes to his starting side for Saturday’s return clash against Japan in Townsville, with Carter Gordon returning at flyhalf.
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