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This may be the most important test all year, but Joe Schmidt is determined to continue testing his depth ahead of next year’s series with the Lions.
Despite being unbeaten midway through the Grand Slam tour, the first-year Wallabies coach has made six changes for Monday’s (12.20am AEDT) test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
As revealed by roar On Thursday, Schmidt made his Harry Potter debut while also calling up Carlo Tizzano to replace Fraser McLight at openside flanker. The 26-year-old is set to make his first Test appearance on the wing as Max Jorgensen returns to the bench.
As expected, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returned to midfield alongside Len Ikitau after Samu Kerevi received a three-match ban for a high shot at Wales flanker Jac Morgan.
Other changes to the backline include Jake Gordon returning to halfback and Nic White dropping out of the matchday squad.
Carlo Tizzano is set to play his first Test in three months after being named for the match against Scotland. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
There are two changes to the Forward Pack: Jeremy Williams will replace Nick Frost after a busy Test campaign in 2024.
Meanwhile, Harry Wilson not only returns to the back row, but also takes on the captaincy once again. Rob Valetini, returning from concussion, was converted to a blindside flanker and Seru Uru was left out of the matchday squad despite putting in a promising performance for Cardiff during the Wallabies’ 52-20 win over Wales.
From the bench comes incompetent prop Isaac Kylia, replacing James Sleeper, who was kicked out of Cardiff.
Otherwise, it’s a stable bench that will once again see strong figures in Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Lukhan Salakai-Loto coming off the bench. Taniela Tupou is still out.
“It has been a complicated week, with the training ground unavailable due to winter weather, but the group has adapted well to the circumstances,” Schmidt said in a press release.
“The core of the Scotland team has been together for many years. They are cohesive and combative and we will have to give our best on Sunday.”
Joe Schmidt has made six changes for the Wallabies’ clash with Scotland at Murrayfield. (Photo credit: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Several changes were expected in the back line following Kerevi’s ban and Dylan Pietsch’s tour-ending injury suffered against England, but the decision to bring in McReight is a big one.
McReight, 25, was arguably the Wallabies’ best player in 2024 and was the perfect foil between the defense and forwards.
But ahead of the game against Ireland in Dublin, which is expected to last six days, Schmidt has decided to take a break from regular openside.
The bold decision saw Tizzano return to the back row, having proven his worth in the Rugby Championship when the Wallabies rookie made 57 tackles without a miss during his first three Tests.
Schmidt will be counting on his tough back-rower to inject fresh stamina into the contest in an encounter where he is expected to win or lose.
Potter, who won the English Premier League title with Leicester under Steve Borthwick before moving to Western Force, becomes the Wallabies’ 18th debutant in 2024. This is the highest number recorded in a single year since 1928 and 1920.
If the Wallabies beat Scotland, Schmidt’s team would write themselves into Australian sporting folklore. As they attempt to become only the second Australian rugby team to win a Grand Slam by beating England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland on one tour. .
Wallabies v Scotland at Murrayfield
1. Angus Bell (34 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (14 tests)
3. Allan Alaalato (78 Tests)
4. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (31 tests)
6. Rob Ballettini (50 tests)
7. Carlo Tizzano (4 tests) –
8. Harry Wilson (c) (20 Tests)
9. Jake Gordon (27 Tests)
10. Noah Rolecio (27 Tests)
11. Harry Potter*
12. Len Ikitau (37 Tests)
13. Joseph-Aukuso questions (2 tests)
14. Andrew Calloway (37 tests)
15. Tom Wright (35 tests)
replacement product
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (18 Tests)
17. Isaac Kylia (6 tests)
18. Jane Nongor (9 Tests)
19. Lucan Salakaia-Loto (39 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (12 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (39 tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (15 Tests)
23. Max Jorgensen (5 tests)
* indicates no restrictions.
