Wallaby No. 999 awaits, ex-All Black also set for first start in gold

Queensland Reds utility Isaac Henry is in line to become Wallaby number 999 after being named on the bench for Australia’s clash with Japan in Osaka, which is the team’s first Test under new head coach Les Kiss.

Injuries have kept Henry on the sidelines more often than not in recent seasons, but a breakout campaign with the Reds in 2026 has led to higher honours. The Queenslander was called in as injury cover during the Nations Championship and now may get a chance to debut.

Kiss has selected Henry to come off the pine, with Tate McDermott the other Reds representative selected on the bench. There are six Queenslanders in the run-on side, with captain Harry Wilson set to lead the team out onto the field at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

There is no Carter Gordon in the matchday side, with Declan Meredith instead retained in the starting role at fly-half. This will be Meredith’s third straight Test in the No. 10 jersey, with Ben Donaldson set to come off the bench.

Former All Black Aidan Ross is set for a maiden Test start in Wallaby gold, and the same can be said about towering lock Miles Amatosero. Josh Canham, who became the first Wallabies lock to score a hat-trick last month, has retained a starting role at lock.

Ross will pack down alongside Queensland teammate Josh Nasser, with 91-Test veteran Allan Alaalatoa lining up at tighthead prop. Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou will provide front-row cover off the bench.

Kiss has gone with the backrow trio that started Nations Championship Test against Ireland and France, with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight named on the flanks. Captain Wilson rounds out the pack as the No. 8.

Ryan Lonergan will combine with ACT Brumbies teammate Meredith in the halves, while Hunter Paisami comes into the run-on side at inside centre, in place of injured Len Ikitau. Paisami will link up with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield.

Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen line up on the wings, with Tom Wright moving another step closer to the 50-Test milestone (currently at 46). Kiss has gone with a 5-3 split on the bench, with the inclusion of Charlie Cale another big talking point.

“Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches,” Kiss said.

“The players selected now have the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the gold jersey and we know they’ll do everything they can to earn the support of all Australians when they take to the field in Osaka on Saturday night.”

Wallabies team to play Japan in Osaka

1. Aidan Ross (3 Tests) – #994; Bond University
2. Josh Nasser (13 Tests) – #979; Easts Tigers
3. Allan Alaalatoa (91 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (5 Tests) – #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
5. Miles Amatosero (1 Test) – #998; South Coogee Red Devils
6. Rob Valetini (65 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (42 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (39 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (8 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (2 Tests) – #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (12 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (35 Tests) – #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (21 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (23 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (46 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (21 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (53 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Taniela Tupou (70 Tests) – #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Jeremy Williams (28 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Charlie Cale (2 Tests) – #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
21. Tate McDermott (53 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (21 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Isaac Henry* – uncapped; Kenmore Bears
*denotes potential Test debut