The Wallabies have restored playmaker Carter Gordon and forward Rob Valetini to their starting lineup as the team prepares to face Scotland on Sunday in a bid to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.
Gordon Returns to Take the No 10 Jersey
According to Sport | The Guardian, coach Les Kiss selected Gordon to stabilize the flyhalf position, which has seen seven different starters since the last World Cup. Gordon returns from a broken leg sustained against Argentina in September, replacing Declan Meredith, who was dropped from the match-day 23 following a difficult performance in the defeat against England.
Kiss praised Gordon’s abilities, noting his leadership, strong running game, directional awareness, and kicking skills. However, the coach emphasized that the entire team must improve to support these changes and halt their losing streak.
Tactical Shifts and Backing for Suaalii
Valetini moves from the impact substitute role back into the starting XV at blindside flanker, joining Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the back row. In the midfield, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts from the left wing to inside centre to partner with Len Ikitau, following a tour-ending injury to Isaac Henry.
Kiss defended Suaalii following recent criticism from former England wing Chris Ashton regarding the player’s transition to rugby union. Kiss described Suaalii as a dedicated team player and expressed full confidence in his abilities alongside the rest of the squad.
The starting lineup features Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright. The replacements bench includes Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu.
