Kiss makes mass changes to Wallabies for Japan clash in Townsville

The Wallabies will meet Japan with an almost all-new forward pack in Townsville – and with the 1000th Wallaby in history on the bench – after coach Les Kiss made sweeping changes for Saturday’s rematch with Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms.

Only two players from the Wallabies’ starting pack in their 35-32 win in Osaka have been retained, in the shape of hooker Josh Nasser and captain Harry Wilson at No.8.

Elsewhere, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou have moved from the bench to the starting front row, and likewise back-rower Charlie Cale, who will start at blindside flanker in place of Rob Valetini.

Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker, with Fraser McReight moving to the bench.

In the second-row, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lachlan Shaw will start, with Miles Amatosero suspended and Josh Canham rested.

Valetini has also been rested entirely, in a selection gamble from Kiss. The coach has rested three of the Wallabies’ best players so far this year, in Canham, Valetini and prop Allan Alaalatoa.

In the backline, Carter Gordon has been recalled at No.10 for the first time since suffering a calf strain in the Ireland Test, and with Ben Donaldson retained on the bench, Declan Meredith drops out of the 23-man squad.

Reds centre Isaac Henry has replaced the injured Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii at outside centre, after making his debut via the bench in Osaka last Saturday.

Massimo De Lutiis has been named as the tighthead prop reserve. The 23-year-old Queenslander will become Wallaby No.1000 if he gets on the field and wins a Test cap.

The Wallabies’ player list starts with another Queensland prop, Paddy Carew, who played in the first official Test in 1899 and was designated player No.1.

In other changes on the bench, Brandon Paenga-Amosa replaces Billy Pollard as reserve hooker, and Filipo Daugunu steps into the No.23 jersey.

“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 said.

“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.”

More to come