The Wallabies backline faces a significant reshuffle for their rematch against Japan in Townsville. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out due to a minor hamstring injury, while Carter Gordon is poised to return to the starting five-eighth position following a team victory in Osaka.
Backline Shake-Up and Suaalii’s Injury Setback
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out of the fixture after picking up a minor hamstring injury during the team’s three-point victory in Osaka over the weekend.
In response to the injury crisis—which also sees Len Ikitau sidelined with an ankle problem—Josh Flook has been brought into the squad as cover and enters contention to feature in Townsville. During the Osaka encounter, Hunter Paisami filled the inside centre role at No. 12 while Isaac Henry made his debut off the bench at outside centre, forcing Suaalii out to the wing.
Gordon Recalled to the No. 10 Jersey
Carter Gordon is set for an immediate recall to the starting five-eighth role, stepping in to replace Declan Meredith after a difficult outing in Osaka. Meredith was handed his debut after Ben Donaldson was ruled out prior to the France Test, retaining the spot through the Osaka fixture as his form tapered off. Gordon previously started against Ireland in July before a calf injury sidelined him for subsequent matches against France and Italy.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss indicated that changes were inevitable following the physical toll of the sapping 30-degree heat experienced in Osaka, prompting tactical adjustments across the squad.
Milestone Debut for De Lutiis and Pack Adjustments
The fixture is set to mark a historic milestone for Australian rugby, with young Queensland prop Massimo De Lutiis poised to win a spot against the Brave Blossoms and become Wallaby No. 1000. Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa is expected to be rested to manage his workload ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of Argentina. Consequently, Taniela Tupou is slated to start at tighthead prop, with De Lutiis expected to make his Test debut from the bench.
Rugby Australia and Queensland successfully fended off recruiting interest from Ireland earlier in the year to secure the retention of De Lutiis. Meanwhile, backrower Tom Hooper is expected to rejoin the side after clearing a shoulder injury that kept him out of the previous three Tests.
