Carter Gordon will return at flyhalf for the Wallabies in their Flight Centre Series Test against Japan in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.
It will be the 25-year-old’s first appearance since the Test against Ireland in Sydney in July, fully recovering from a calf injury to partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
It’s one of a number of changes to the side from last Saturday’s Test in Osaka, where temperatures exceeded 35 degrees celsius throughout the week.
There’s a new look second row with Queensland’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto named for his first Test this season, partnering Lachlan Shaw who earns his third cap, and first start in Wallaby gold.
The dynamic Charlie Cale has been selected for his first start at blindside flanker, while Carlo Tizzano will wear the number seven jersey, with captain Harry Wilson anchoring the scrum at no. 8.
Experienced props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell return to the XV, combining with Queensland’s Josh Nasser in the run on front row. Bell returning to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the first time since his 84th minute match winner against Argentina last year.
There is just one further change to the starting backline with last week’s debutant Isaac Henry selected for his first Test start at outside centre, forming a familiar midfield partnership with Reds teammate Hunter Paisami who will again wear the number 12 jersey.
The back three remains consistent for a third consecutive Test, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen named on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback for his 48th appearance for this country.
Gold Coast junior Massimo De Lutiis has been named on the bench for his potential Test debut where he would become Wallaby 1000. He’s joined by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Aidan Ross in the replacement front row.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams will again provide his experience as the replacement lock, as will Fraser McReight who is the remaining forward cover.
Tate McDermott will provide spark and energy as the substitute scrumhalf, with Ben Donaldson and versatile Filipo Daugunu finalising the matchday 23.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: “The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan.
“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.”
1. Angus Bell (54 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (14 Tests) - #979; Easts Tigers
3. Taniela Tupou (71 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Lachlan Shaw (2 Tests) - #996; University of Queensland
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (45 Tests); Randwick
6. Charlie Cale (3 Tests) - #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (15 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (40 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (9 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Carter Gordon (10 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Harry Potter (13 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (36 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Isaac Henry (1 Test) - #999; Kenmore Bears
14. Max Jorgensen (24 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (47 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (22 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Aidan Ross (4 Tests) - #994; Bond University
18. Massimo De Lutiis* - uncapped; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Jeremy Williams (29 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Fraser McReight (43 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
21. Tate McDermott (54 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (22 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (22 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs
*denotes potential Test debut
Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies 57 defeated Italy 10 on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies vs Japan, 8:05pm AEST on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth\
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 5:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
