Wallabies manager Joe Schmidt has opted to wrap starbucks Josef-Auxo Souari and Max Jorgensen in cotton wool in preparation for next weekend’s game against England, leaving them out of the 23-man squad to face Japan on Saturday.
The decision to rest Boom’s young players is offset by the return of classy outside backs Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch, who were thrust into the starting lineup after recovering from hamstring and jaw injuries, respectively.
Coach Schmidt confirmed his availability for Game 23 on Thursday afternoon, confirming an earlier report by ESPN that there would be major changes to the matchup against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms.
The Wallabies have some stability in the form of half Jake Gordon and Tain Edmed, who lost in the Bledisloe Cup in Perth, but will otherwise be looking to use a new outside-back, center, back-row, lock and front-row duo from the team that lost to the All Blacks.
Kellaway and Pietsch will be joined at outside back by Corey Toole, with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook all forming the Queensland Reds’ midfield.
Meanwhile, up front, flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny was handed the captain’s badge for just his third Test, replacing Harry Wilson, who was forced to the bench. He will be partnered by Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano, who has finally been given the chance to play number seven, with Fraser McCreight, another first-choice player, given a weekend off. They were joined by Rob Valletini to complete Australia’s back-row.
The final changes up front will see Jeremy Williams replace Will Skelton, who is not part of the Tour team, in the second row, while Queenslander Zane Nongaard will make his first start with Josh Nassar and Angus Bell packing up in the engine room.
“It was great to reunite the group in Sydney late last week and welcome some new members,” Schmidt said.
“The players have adapted well here in Tokyo and the whole team is aware of the threat that Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very difficult to beat, especially at home.”
Schmidt will look to return to the bench alongside Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson, while Aidan Ross could become the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test rugby and could make his debut off the bench.
Meanwhile, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have been recalled by the Wallabies after performing well for Australia A in last weekend’s Round 15 match against Japan. Ryan Lonergan will get the chance to gain international experience as a substitute at clam-half, while Filipo Daugunu completes the 23-man squad.
Australian national team plays against Japan
Andrew Golder, Corey Toole, Josh Flock, Pettamam, Dylan Chenetly, The Petch, The Eddon, Jake Gordon, Rob Varani, Carlo Tsang, Child Tizan, Nic Champil of Krepisie, Jeremy Willier, Jest Willior, Geziri. Bell. Alternatives: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Josh Canham, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Philippe Daugunu.