Joe Schmidt selects potential debutant in final Wallabies team as coach

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made some big selection calls ahead of his last Test in charge of the team, with openside flanker Fraser McReight moved to the bench and NSW Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero in line to debut.

Schmidt took over as Wallabies head coach in early 2024, leading the team to famous wins over England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, the British & Irish Lions in Sydney and the Springboks at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park.

The coach will finish up as the team’s head coach after a Nations Championship clash with Italy in Perth, as the Wallabies look to snap a six-match losing streak. Harry Wilson captains a side that features a few starters from local team the Western Force.

Perth-born Carlo Tizzano has been brought into the run-on side, set to make his first appearance in gold of the season. That has seen McReight, who scored two tries in last weekend’s defeat to France in Brisbane, move to the bench.

Force rake Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been picked in the First XV, and the inclusion of Waratahs flyer Harry Potter is the other change. The rest of the side remains settled, with Ryan Lonergan linking up with one-Test playmaker Declan Meredith in the halves.

“We’ve shown some encouraging signs but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match,” Schmidt said.

“The challenge for us this week is to perform at a consistently high standard against a dangerous Italian side, who were hugely competitive in the Six Nations, beating both Scotland and England as well as running other teams close.”

Angus Bell is set for another start at loosehead prop, following a URC season abroad with Irish outfit Ulster. The prop is joined up front by Paenga-Amosa and 90-Test tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa, and Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams make up the locking duo.

Rob Valetini has been retained at blindside flanker, joining Tizzano and captain Wilson in the back row trio. In the backs, Lonergan and Meredith have retained their spots in the halves, while Ben Donaldson will return to the Test arena via the bench.

Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will again combine in the midfield. Potter and Max Jorgensen are the two wingers, with Tom Wright set for a second consecutive start at fullback, and Filipo Daugunu provides outside back cover on the bench.

The Wallabies take on Italy at Perth’s HBF Park at 6:00 pm local time this Saturday.

Wallabies team to take on Italy

1. Angus Bell (52 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (27 Tests) – #918; Southern Districts
3. Allan Alaalatoa (90 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (4 Tests) – #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (27 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (64 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (14 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (38 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (7 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (1 Test) – #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (11 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (52 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (20 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (22 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (45 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Replacements
16. Billy Pollard (20 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. James Slipper (153 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
18. Zane Nonggorr (19 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Miles Amatosero* – uncapped; South Coogee Red Devils
20. Fraser McReight (41 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
21. Tate McDermott (52 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (20 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (21 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
*denotes potential Test debut