Wallabies Announce Rotated Squad For Italy Clash, gordon Returns
Udine, Italy – The Australian National Rugby Union team, known as the Wallabies, will face Italy this Saturday with a significantly altered squad. Coach Joe Schmidt has opted for rotation, giving several players an opportunity against the Italian side.
Notably, Carter Gordon is set to start at fly-half, marking his return to the Wallabies lineup after a 17-month absence, dating back to the 2023 World Cup competition. This move comes after Australia suffered an 18-point loss to England last Saturday in Twickenham.
Squad adjustments and Key Replacements
Six changes have been implemented to the match-day squad following the setback against England. While Len Ikitau is expected to feature in future matches against France and Ireland,Tom Hooper will immediately step into the starting lineup as a blindside flanker,replacing Rob Valetini,who will come off the bench.
Former bordeaux player Pete samu is also poised to make his comeback to the wallabies, potentially earning his first appearance in two years as facing South Africa during the Rugby Championship.
Italy’s Form and the Challenge Ahead
The Wallabies will face a competitive Italian side currently ranked 10th in the world. Italy has demonstrated recent success, securing victories against wales in the last two Six Nations tournaments and narrowly losing to ireland by only five points in March.
Recent performance data from World Rugby indicates a need for increased attacking prowess from the Wallabies. Statistics revealed that winger Max Jorgensen had limited opportunity, carrying the ball just once for two metres against England. The Italian backline, which includes Louis Lynagh – son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh – is expected to pose a substantial challenge.
Corey Toole has been recalled to the squad to play alongside fullback Andrew Kellaway and Harry Potter, who will retain his spot. Hunter Paisami and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will form the center pairing for the second consecutive week.
The Evolving Landscape of International Rugby
International Rugby is in a constant state of evolution. Modern tactics, player growth, and the increasing competitiveness of traditionally lower-ranked nations are reshaping the sport. The Wallabies, like other top-tier teams, must continually adapt to maintain their position on the world stage.
Rotation strategies, such as the one employed by Coach Schmidt, are becoming increasingly common as teams prioritize player welfare and seek to maximize performance over long tournament formats.Building squad depth is now as vital as relying on established stars.
| Team | Current World Ranking (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|
| Australia (Wallabies) | 7th |
| Italy | 10th |
| England | 3rd |
| Ireland | 1st |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wallabies
- What is the importance of Carter Gordon’s return to the Wallabies? Gordon’s return provides an opportunity for him to regain form and contribute to the team’s playmaking ability at fly-half.
- How has Italy improved its rugby performance recently? Italy has shown meaningful progress through victories against Wales and a close match against Ireland, demonstrating improved competitiveness.
- What changes were made to the Wallabies squad after the England defeat? Six changes were made, including the inclusion of Tom Hooper and Pete Samu, and the return of Carter Gordon.
- What is the current World Rugby ranking of Italy? As of November 2025, Italy is ranked 10th in the world.
- Why is attacking opportunity a key focus for the Wallabies? Statistical data from the England match highlighted a lack of attacking chances, necessitating a more proactive approach.
