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Major stars missing in Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies side for Lions opener
By Finn Morton reporting from Brisbane
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made a series of surprising selection calls ahead of the Lions Series opener at Suncorp Stadium, with Nick Champion de Crespigny named to debut in the run-on side and Tom Lynagh has also been confirmed as the starting fly-half.
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Champion de Crespigny was rewarded for a stellar rookie season in Super Rugby Pacific, named in the Wallabies squad to take on the Flying Fijians. While the 29-year-old didn’t play that Test, a significant injury toll will see him debut in the golden No. 6 jersey on Saturday evening.
Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini will miss the Lions Series opener, and Langi Gleeson has also been ruled out. Champion de Crespigny will instead link up with openside flanker Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson as the starting loose forwards trio.
That is one of a few changes to the team that defeated Fiji 21-18 in Newcastle, with Lynagh also picked to wear the No. 10 jersey for the first time at Test level. Lynagh played four Tests for the Wallabies last year, but was named on the bench behind Noah Lolesio.
Lynagh will combine with Jake Gordon in the halves, who returns from an injury spell in time for the Lions. Matt Faessler has also benefited from the Queensland Reds versus Lions fixture a couple of weeks ago, with the hooker named in the starting front-row.
Faessler joins James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa up front, while Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams round out the tight five as the two locks. La Rochelle second-rower Will Skelton has seemingly missed out due to injury, with Tom Hooper named as cover on the bench.
Also in the First XV, Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will pair up in the midfield once again. The outside backs is also unchanged after the Fiji Test, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen selected on the wings, with Tom Wright at fullback.
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On the bench, Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Tom Robertson are cover up-front. Hooper and Carlo Tizzano are the other forwards looking to provide impact, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson and Andrew Kellaway will also look to make their mark.
“The whole squad has worked hard as a group to prepare for what’s going to a massive challenge against an in-form Lions team,” coach Schmidt said in a statement.
“With the short runway leading up to such a big Test match, we know we must adapt fast and improve quickly, from the performance we had against Fiji recently.
“We’re very much aware of the occasion and conscious of earning the support from the public through the effort they see on the field.”
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This match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will kick off at 7:45 pm AEST on Saturday.
Wallabies team to take on British & Irish Lions in Brisbane
1. James Slipper (144 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. Matt Faessler (14 Tests) – #969; USQ Saints
3. Allan Alaalatoa (81 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (26 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (11 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny* – Canberra Grammar School
7. Fraser McReight (26 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (23 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (29 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tom Lynagh (3 Tests) – #977; University of Queensland
11. Harry Potter (3 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (40 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (5 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (8 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (38 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (7 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (37 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Tom Robertson (31 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
19. Tom Hooper (11 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Carlo Tizzano (6 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Tate McDermott (42 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (17 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Andrew Kellaway (39 Tests) – #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
*denotes Test debut