New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has rewarded prop Aidan Ross and lock Miles Amatosero with their first Test starts for Saturday’s clash against Japan in Osaka.
The pair are the headline selections in Kiss’ first match 23, with Ross earning his fourth Test cap and Amatosero his second after making his debut against Italy.
Ross packs down alongside Reds teammate Josh Nasser, who returns from concussion, and veteran tighthead Allan Alaalatoa in an experienced front row.
Amatosero joins Josh Canham in the second row after the latter made history by becoming the first Wallabies lock to score a hat-trick of tries in Australia’s last outing.
The only other change to the starting XV sees Hunter Paisami return at inside centre, where he partners Joseph Suaalii in midfield.
Harry Wilson captains an unchanged loose trio featuring Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight, while Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith continue their halfback partnership for a third successive Test.
Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou provide plenty of firepower off the bench, while Charlie Cale returns to the Wallabies squad for the first time since 2024.
There could also be a debut for Isaac Henry, who has been named among the replacements and would become Wallaby No 999 if he takes the field.
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“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,” said Kiss.
“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 – 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.
Bench: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Charlie Cale, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Isaac Henry.
Photo: Paul Miller/Getty Images
The post New era begins for Wallabies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has rewarded prop Aidan Ross and lock Miles Amatosero with their first Test starts for Saturday’s clash against Japan in Osaka.
The post New era begins for Wallabies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
