Wallaby number 991, Nick Champion de Crespigny will become the 92nd captain of Australia when he leads the side against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon.
The Canberran will skipper the side in what is just his third Test, linking with Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano and number eight Rob Valetini in the back row for the match at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
Queensland’s Zane Nonggorr has earned his first Test start in his 17th appearance for his country, combining with Angus Bell and Josh Nasser in the run on front row for what is the first of five consecutive matches on the squad’s End of Year Tour.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams are the starting lock pairing for what will be the Wallabies first ever Test against Japan in Tokyo.
Wiradjuri man Dylan Pietsch returns from a jaw fracture to start at on the left wing, with fellow Olympian Corey Toole selected on the right edge. Andrew Kellaway also returns from injury to be selected at fullback and finalise the back three.
Reds pair Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will form a familiar midfield combination, as will NSW Waratahs teammates Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed who start in the halves for the second straight Test.
Aidan Ross has the potential to become just the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test Rugby, named as a likely debutant as the replacement loosehead prop. He joins Brumbies hooker Billy Pollard and Force tighthead Tom Robertson as the substitute front row.
After impressing in Australia A’s win over Japan XV in Osaka last weekend, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have both been named for his first Tests of 2025 as the replacement lock and playmaker respectively.
Regular skipper Harry Wilson has been selected as cover for the back row, while Ryan Lonergan continues to build experience at international level as the substitute scrumhalf. The versatile Filipo Daugunu rounds on the match day 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces."
“The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home.”
1. Angus Bell (44 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (8 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Zane Nonggorr (16 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
4. Jeremy Williams (20 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (43 Tests) – #914; Randwick
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny (c) (2 Tests) - #991; Canberra Grammar School
7. Carlo Tizzano (11 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
8. Rob Valetini (57 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
9. Jake Gordon (32 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tane Edmed (4 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors
11. Dylan Pietsch (7 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Hunter Paisami (32 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Josh Flook (5 Tests) - #972; Brothers Rugby
14. Corey Toole (4 Tests) – #992; Wagga Waratahs
15. Andrew Kellaway (45 Tests) - #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (16 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Aidan Ross* - uncapped; Bond University
18. Tom Robertson (36 Tests) - #898; Dubbo Kangaroos
19. Josh Canham (1 Test) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Harry Wilson (31Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
21. Ryan Lonergan (2 Tests) - #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Hamish Stewart (2 Tests) - #986; Toowoomba Bears
23. Filipo Daugunu (15 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs
Wallabies 21 defeated Fiji 18 on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Wallabies 19 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 27 on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies 26 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 29 on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies 22 defeated the British & Irish Lions 12 on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 38 defeated South Africa 22 on Saturday August 16 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Wallabies 22 defeated by South Africa 30 on Saturday August 23 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Wallabies 28 defeated Argentina 24 on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies 26 defeated by Argentina 28 on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 24 defeated by New Zealand 33 on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies 14 defeated by New Zealand 28 on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v Japan at 4:50pm AEDT on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo
Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London
Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at Stade de France, Paris
