Champion de Crespigny to captain new-look Wallabies, ex-All Black to debut

Nick Champion de Crespigny will become the 92^nd captain of Australia when the backrower leads the team into battle against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

Champion de Crespigny debuted for the Wallabies in the first Test against the British & Irish Lions in July, before making a second appearance during The Rugby Championship.

The new skipper starts in a new-look backrow alongside Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano and two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, who start at openside flanker and No. 8 respectively.

Angus Bell starts at loosehead prop, packing down alongside eight-Test hooker Josh Nasser and Queensland Reds prop Zane Nonggorr in the front row. Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are the other starting forwards, taking their place in the second row.

Jake Gordon will link up with former NSW Waratahs teammate Tane Edmed in the halves for the second Test in a row, while Queensland Reds pair Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook combine in the midfield – Len Ikitau is unavailable and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has not been selected.

Dylan Pietsch returns to the Test arena on the left wing, with Paris Olympian Corey Toole lining up on the other edge, and Andrew Kellaway is back from a stint on the sidelines at fullback.

Former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross is in line to debut for the Wallabies off the bench, while coach Joe Schmidt has not selected code-hopper Carter Gordon. Usual Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will provide backrow cover off the pine.

“It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces.” Schmidt said in a statement.

“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.”

This match at Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo will kick off at 2:50 pm JST / 4:50 pm AEDT on Saturday.

Wallabies team to take on Japan

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