Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Wallabies are set to welcome the “big body” of Carter Gordon at flyhalf when they chase a third successive win on Saturday in Townsville against Japan.
After a depressing run of six successive losses. the Australians have secured back-to-back victories, including a 35-32 win over the Brave Blossoms in Osaka last weekend in new Wallabies coach Les Kiss’ first game in charge.
Despite the win, Kiss will make at least two changes to his starting team, with star centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii having suffered a hamstring injury and lock Miles Amatosero suspended after being sent off for dangerous play.
Other changes are also expected, with Reds playmaker Gordon reportedly set to replace Declan Meredith in the No.10 jersey.
Meredith didn’t have a game to remember in Osaka, and is expected to pay the price.
Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami backed the inclusion of Gordon, but said that Meredith and another flyhalf option, Ben Donaldson, had also “been training the house down”.
“We’re we’re coming close to finalising the team … so it’ll be interesting,” Paisami said.
“Carts’ is looking good. He’s just a natural 10, like they all are … but it’s Carter’s defensive side. He’s a big body, (and) puts his body on the line.
“They all read the game pretty well, (but) if Carter’s is in, it’s a huge for us.”
Paisami will also need a new partner in the centres due to Suaalii’s injury, and believed that his Queensland teammates Isaac Henry, Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu were all good options.
“It’s always good having those familiar connections from the Reds, but whoever’s in that 12 and 13 jersey, we just know that they will do a job for the boys and for the jersey,” he said.
There is also speculation that uncapped 22-year-old Reds tight-head prop Massimo De Lutiis is set to be called into the match-day squad of 23, which would have him in line to become the 1000th Wallaby.
Fellow front-rower Angus Bell was in no doubt that the 126kg De Lutiis would thrive in the Test arena.
“He has been training really well,” Bell said.
“For a young bloke, he’s super strong, and he’s a big boy.”
Bell said becoming the 1000th player to represent the Wallabies would be special not only for De Lutiis, but also the entire group.
“It puts everything into perspective for you. It just shows how (few) people over the whole history of the Wallabies have played, and how special it means to be one of the 1000 Wallabies,” he said.
“It’s a pretty prestigious group. It’s just about having care for your teammates and leaving the jersey in a better place than it was.
“Test matches don’t come around often, people don’t get many caps, so what Les (Kiss) touches on is how special it is.
“One day a Massimo De Lutiis comes along and he’s better than you, and then that journey’s over for you.”
