Flanker Carlo Tizzano has been named to make a starting debut for the Wallabies against the world champion Springboks in the opening match of the 2024 Rugby Championship on Saturday.
The hard-tackling Western Force forward starts at openside in the Wallabies back row, alongside Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson.
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has retained veteran tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa as captain in the front row alongside hooker Matt Faessler and 24-year-old prop Isaac Kailea as he plots a rare win over the Springboks.
Experienced tighthead prop Taniela Tupou misses the match due to a family bereavement, while Marika Koroibete has surprisingly been left out after being called into the squad from Japan.
There is also no place for veteran scrumhalf Nic White, with Jake Gordon and Tate McDermott the two scrumhalves in the matchday 23.
Five of Australia’s starting pack have fewer than 20 Test caps to their name, while six players on the bench have yet to play 10 Test matches.
“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward,” Schmidt said.
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Brumbies loose forward Luke Reimer could also make his debut having been named on the bench.
Australia are unbeaten since New Zealander Schmidt took the reins, seeing off gritty minnows Georgia 40-29 in Sydney last month after consecutive victories against Wales.
The Wallabies had won just two of their previous nine Tests during a tumultuous period under former coach Eddie Jones. They have won their last three Tests in Brisbane, where South Africa have not recorded a victory since 2013.
The Springboks are relying on the core of players that won last year’s World Cup and drew a two-Test series with Ireland last month.
Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will make his first Test start for South Africa, picked ahead of Handre Pollard.
Wallabies – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Issac Kailea.
Subs: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Dylan Pietsch.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
