Charlie Cale is set to pull on the Wallabies jersey for the first time since 2024, with the dynamic back-rower named on the bench among seven ACT Brumbies selected in Australia's matchday 23 to take on Japan in Osaka on Saturday night.
The Beecroft junior earned a recall after a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign, scoring nine tries in nine matches and emerging as one of the competition's most destructive ball-runners. Cale joins Brumbies teammates Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Billy Pollard and Tom Wright in the Wallabies squad for the first Test under new Head Coach Les Kiss.
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Forwards Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero have earned their first Test starts in Wallaby gold, selected to play Japan in Osaka on Saturday night in what is the maiden Test for new Head Coach Les Kiss.
Ross will run on at loosehead prop in what is his fourth Test in the gold jersey having made his Australian debut against the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo last year.
He will combine with club teammate and hooker Josh Nasser, who returns to the group having missed the last match due to concussion protocols, and the experienced Allan Alaalatoa, who starts at tighthead prop for the clash at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.
Having made his own Test debut in the side's win over Italy, Amatosero will start in the second row alongside Josh Canham, who created history when he became the first Wallabies lock to score a hat-trick of tries in Perth.
Reds powerhouse Hunter Paisami is the only further change to the run-on side, starting at inside centre to combine with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield for what is the first Test of the 2026 Flight Centre Series.
It is a familiar loose forward trio with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight named on the sides of the scrum, while Harry Wilson will skipper the side from number eight for the 24th time, making it an unchanged back row for every Test so far in 2026.
Brumbies pair Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith will start in the halves for the third consecutive Test, with continuity also across the back three in wingers Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen and fullback Tom Wright.
Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou form a powerful substitute front row, while Western Force captain Jeremy Williams is the replacement lock.
Cale has been named for his first appearance in Wallaby gold since 2024, selected as the remaining forward cover.
Tate McDermott has been named for his 54th Test as the finishing scrumhalf, while Ben Donaldson provides versatility across the backline.
Kenmore Bears junior Isaac Henry rounds out the matchday 23, named for a potential Test debut, where he would become Wallaby number 999.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said:
"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.
"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."
