Eight Brumbies players have been named in the Wallabies squad to take on Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday.
James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Noah Lolesio, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Billy Pollard and Tom Hooper are included, after their consistent form in this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.
David Porecki, who last played for the Wallabies in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will start in an experienced front row that features the all-time Test cap record holding Slipper and tighthead Alaalatoa.
After starting five Tests together in 2024, Frost and Jeremy Williams will reignite their second row partnership in what will be the Wallabies third Test at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Queensland captain Tate McDermott earns an opportunity to start at scrumhalf, partnering with Lolesio, who wore the number 10 jersey in 11 of the side’s 13 Tests last year.
The consistent Ikitau will line up at inside centre, reconnecting with his Spring Tour midfield partner Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who will play his first Test in Australia on Sunday afternoon at outside centre.
Twenty-year-old Max Jorgensen will make his return from an ankle injury, selected on the left wing, while Force flyer Harry Potter has also earned his first gold jersey on home soil on the right edge, having made his Test debut on last year’s Spring Tour. Wright has been named at fullback in an exciting back three.
Pollard joins NSW Waratah Angus Bell and Queensland Red Zane Nonggorr as the replacement front row, with Bathurst Bulldogs junior Hooper and Perth product Carlo Tizzano the remaining forward cover.
Local Hunter junior Nic White will have another opportunity to play in front of his hometown, joined by his club teammate Ben Donaldson as the replacement halves pairing. Filipo Daugunu rounds out the matchday 23, selected to play against the country of his birth for the first time at Test level.
The Wallabies will wear their First Nations jersey in their first Test of 2025, with Sunday also signifying the start of NAIDOC week.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji.”
“I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule.”
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Wallabies team to play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday July 6 at 1:30pm AEST
1. James Slipper (143 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (19 Tests) – #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Allan Alaalatoa (80 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (25 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (10 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Langi Gleeson (14 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins
7. Fraser McReight (25 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (22 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (41 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
10. Noah Lolesio (29 Tests) – #934; Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Max Jorgensen (7 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
12. Len Ikitau (39 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (4 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Harry Potter (2 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
15. Tom Wright (37 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes:
16. Billy Pollard (6 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (35 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby
18. Zane Nonggorr (10 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Tom Hooper (10 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Carlo Tizzano (5 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Nic White (71 Tests) – #875; Maitland Blacks
22. Ben Donaldson (16 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (11 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
2025 Wallabies Tests
Wallabies v Fiji at 1:30pm AEST on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
British & Irish Lions Tour
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
The Flight Centre Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup
Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 17 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 24 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand at 3:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Spring Tour
Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo
Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London
Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at TBC
Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at TBC
