History beckons with Wallaby No. 1000 in line to debut against Japan

Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis is poised to become Wallaby number 1000 after being named on the bench to face Japan in Townsville. Taniela Tupou has been brought into the run-on side at tighthead, in place of Allan Alaalatoa.

Isaac Henry debuted for the Wallabies last weekend in Osaka, as the men in gold claimed a nail-biting 35-32 win over Japan. Henry has been retained in the matchday 23 for the Test at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, but is set for a maiden start at 13.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out of the second Flight Centre Series clash with a minor hamstring strain, which has seen Henry earn a start at outside centre, linking up in the midfield with Reds teammate Hunter Paisami.

Those two will play outside another Queensland teammate, with Carter Gordon picked at fly-half ahead of Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith. Gordon hasn’t played for the national team since suiting up against Ireland last month.

The 25-year-old will link up with scrum-half Ryan Lonergan, while Tate McDermott again provides impact off the bench. Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen have held onto their spots on the wings, with Tom Wright at fullback.

In the forwards, coach Kiss has gone with an almost entirely new-look backrow trio. Carlo Tizzano replaces Fraser McReight at openside, while Charlie Cale replaces Rob Valetini in the No. 6 shirt – with captain Harry Wilson starting at no.8.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto comes into the run-on side, set to pack down alongside Lachlan Shaw. Angus Bell, Josh Nasser and Tupou make up the starting front-row, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Aidan Ross providing cover.

“The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan,” Kiss said.

“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.”

Wallabies team to play Japan in Townsville

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