2 days Ago By The Straits Times
SYDNEY - Liam Wright will become the seventh Wallabies captain in little more than a year when the blindside flanker leads out a new-look Australia team against Wales on Saturday in Joe Schmidt's first test as coach. New Zealander Schmidt's matchday squad features seven uncapped players and only six survivors of the 40-6 loss to Wales at last year's World Cup that marked the nadir of Eddie Jones's chaotic second reign. Jones rejects Noah Lolesio and Jake Gordon start at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, while another, fullback Tom Wright, has been handed the number 15 jersey.
Josh Flook will win his first cap at outside centre in the absence of the injured Len Ikitau with lock Jeremy Williams the other starting debutant alongside the recalled Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. Matt Faessler will make his first test start at hooker in a front row also featuring Taniela Tupou and experienced loosehead prop James Slipper, who will win his 135th cap. Wright will win his sixth cap in the back row with Queensland Reds team mate Fraser McReight on the other flank and powerhouse Rob Valetini at number eight.
The bench features five potential debutants in prop Isaac Kailea, lock Angus Blyth, loose forward Charlie Cale, winger Dylan Pietsch and flyhalf Tom Lynagh, the 21-year-old son of Wallabies great Michael. Pietsch will become the 15th indigenous Australian to play for the Wallabies if he gets on the pitch at his home Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday. Schmidt elected not .
