TOKYO (AP) — An overhauled squad led by Nick Champion de Crespigny will give Australia head coach Joe Schmidt a chance to assess the Wallabies’ depth in a one-off rugby test against Japan in Tokyo.
Champion de Crespigny, who will be playing his third test, will start as captain in a backrow featuring his Western Force teammate Carlo Tizzano and No. 8 Rob Valetini. Regular skipper Harry Wilson is on the bench as backrow cover for Saturday’s test against Japan’s National Stadium.
Ex-All Blacks frontrower Aidan Ross was also included on the bench, giving him the chance to be just the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in test rugby.
The starting front row will feature Zane Nonggorr making his first test start, combining with Angus Bell and Josh Nasser, while Lukhan Salak