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Wallabies make eight changes for return Japan Test / Photo: © AFP
Wallabies make eight changes for return Japan Test
Australia coach Les Kiss made eight changes to his starting side on Thursday for their return clash against Japan, naming almost a completely new forward pack.
The new Wallabies coach got off to a winning start last week in Osaka when they edged Eddie Jones's side 35-32, but the game was played in gruelling heat and humidity.
With the conditions taking their toll, Kiss has opted to rest some of his key players this weekend in Townsville and give an opportunity to others in the wider squad as he continues to experiment.
Playmaker Carter Gordon returns from a calf injury at fly-half in place of Declan Meredith, partnering Ryan Lonergan at scrum-half.
In one further change to the backline, Isaac Henry will start for the first time at inside centre in place of the injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
He forms a midfield partnership with Queensland Reds teammate Hunter Paisami who shifts to outside centre.
The back three remains consistent for a third consecutive Test, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.
Only Josh Nasser and Harry Wilson are retained from Osaka in the pack.
There's a new-look second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lachlan Shaw named as the locks.
Charlie Cale starts for the first time at blindside flanker, with Carlo Tizzano on the openside and captain Wilson anchoring the scrum at No.8.
Experienced props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell return to combine with Nasser in the front row.
"The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan," said Kiss.
"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."
It is the first match between the two nations on Australian soil for 39 years, with Australia winning the meeting in Sydney in 1987 during the World Cup 42-23.
Australia (15-1)
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Issac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Charlie Cale; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw; Taniela Tupou, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Jeremy Williams, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
L. Andersson--BTZ
