SYDNEY (AP) — Liam Wright will lead the Wallabies against Wales after Joe Schmidt completely overhauled Australia’s squad for his first test in charge.
Wright has been captain of the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby since 2020 but has only played five test matches for Australia.
That’s of little concern to Schmidt, who retained just four of the starting XV from Australia’s last test in a dismal World Cup performance last year.
Schmidt had a successful tenure as Ireland coach from 2013-19. After a brief return to New Zealand, he moved to Australia to replace Eddie Jones in January and is aiming to put his own stamp on the Wallabies.
He selected lock Jeremy Williams and centre Josh Flook for their test debuts and picked hooker Matt Faessler in the starting XV for the first time.
Williams will partner in the second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who is returning from a stint in England with Northampton for his first test since 2021.
Five of the eight reserves are uncapped including backup flyhalf Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh. Another, replacement hooker Billy Pollard, has played one test.
Wright will become Australia’s seventh captain in two seasons on Saturday against Wales.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa and scrumhalf Tate McDermott, both selected on the bench, have led the Wallabies during that time.
Alaalatoa lost his starting spot to the recalled Taniela Tupou, and Jake Gordon was picked to start at No 9 ahead of McDermott.
Tom Wright, who missed selection for the World Cup squad last year, returns at fullback and Andrew Kellaway will move to the wing. Filipo Daugunu was recalled to start on the other wing.
Wales hasn’t beaten the Wallabies in Australia in 11 tests since 1969, and is also on a seven-test losing streak since the World Cup group stage.
