Hulking prop set to be 1,000th Wallaby as Kiss reshuffles deck

Hulking prop Massimo De Lutiis is poised to become the 1,000th player to represent the Wallabies when he is named on the bench for the upcoming match against Japan in Townsville. This milestone appearance comes as coach Les Kiss continues to reshuffle the squad in his second game in charge.

Kiss has opted to recall fly-half Carter Gordon to the starting lineup, replacing Declan Meredith. With Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii sidelined due to injury, Isaac Henry will make his starting debut at outside center, having earned his first minutes in the recent narrow victory over Eddie Jones's side in Osaka. The second row will see the return of Queensland Reds player Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, partnering Lachlan Shaw, who is set for his starting debut. Jeremy Williams will be on the bench, while Josh Canham has been rested.

The back row has also undergone significant changes. Charlie Cale and Carlo Tizzano will join captain Harry Wilson in the starting lineup, with Fraser McReight moving to the bench and Rob Valetini being excluded from the 23-man squad. Brandon Paenga-Amosa will have an opportunity at hooker under Kiss's coaching, and Filipo Daugunu has been included on the bench to provide backline cover. Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou return to the starting side after impactful second-half performances in Osaka. The back three remain unchanged, with Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson offering play-making options from the bench.

These selection decisions reflect Kiss's strategy to assess his player options thoroughly before the upcoming series of Tests leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. "The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan," Kiss stated. "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."

Gordon, who impressed at fly-half against Ireland before a calf injury sidelined him for two Tests, returns to the starting role. Meredith had started the last three Tests alongside Brumbies clubmate Ryan Lonergan, who retains his position as starting scrum-half. The Wallabies starting lineup is: Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Charlie Cale, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright. The bench includes Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Jeremy Williams, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu.

“

The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan. 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.