Brumbies workhorse lock, Lachlan Shaw will make his first start in Wallabies gold when Australia takes on Japan in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.
The ACT tall timber earns his third Test cap after being named alongside Queensland’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in a new-look second row for the Flight Centre Series clash.
Shaw made his Test debut against Ireland in July before earning his second cap from the bench against France. He now has the opportunity to make his first start on home soil as the Wallabies look to build on their opening performance of the two-Test series.
Charlie Cale will also move into the starting side, earning his first start at blindside flanker after impressing off the bench in Osaka last weekend in his long-awaited return to gold. The selection is Cale’s first appearance in the starting XV since the Wallabies’ Test against Wales in July 2024.
It’s one of a number of changes to the side from last Saturday’s Test in Osaka, where temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius throughout the week.
Carter Gordon returns at flyhalf for his first appearance since the July Test against Ireland, fully recovering from a calf injury to partner Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
Carlo Tizzano will wear the number seven jersey, with captain Harry Wilson anchoring the scrum at No. 8.
Experienced props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell return to the XV, combining with Queensland’s Josh Nasser in the starting front row.
Bell will return to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the first time since his 84th-minute match winner against Argentina last year.
There is just one further change to the starting backline, with last week’s debutant Isaac Henry selected for his first Test start at inside centre, forming a familiar midfield partnership with 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 named on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback for his 48th appearance for Australia.
Gold Coast junior Massimo De Lutiis has been named on the bench for his potential Test debut, where he would become Wallaby No. 1000. He’s joined by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Aidan Ross in the replacement front row.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams will again provide his experience as the replacement lock, as will Fraser McReight, who is the remaining forward cover.
Tate McDermott will provide spark and energy as the substitute scrumhalf, with Ben Donaldson and versatile Filipo Daugunu finalising the matchday 23.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said the coaching staff had looked to find balance in the selection following a physically demanding Test week in Japan.
“The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan.
“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.”
