Carter Gordon returns as Wallabies name balanced side for second Japan Test
Carter Gordon has been named at fly-half in Australia’s starting XV to face Japan in Townsville on Saturday in the second Test, overcoming a recent calf injury to partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
The 25-year-old, who returned to union last year after a spell in the NRL, has had three interrupted starts: he featured against Italy in November but suffered a quad injury in that match and then strained his calf in his first Test this year against Ireland last month. He trained throughout last week, though Declan Meredith — the incumbent for Les Kiss’s first match in charge — had been preferred alongside Ryan Lonergan following Meredith’s start in Osaka; Meredith was dropped after what the article describes as an inconsistent performance there.
Ben Donaldson is named on the bench as cover at 10, with Gordon and Donaldson making up two of the seven players who have worn the No 10 jersey since Joe Schmidt took over in 2024. The selection was presented as an effort to find balance in the squad after a physically demanding tour week in Japan.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is omitted because of a hamstring injury described as "minor" by the team, and Len Ikitau also remains sidelined. Isaac Henry earns his first Test start at outside centre after making his debut last week and will partner Reds teammate Hunter Paisami in midfield.
There are several changes through the pack: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is selected in the second row for his first Test this season alongside Lachlan Shaw, who will make his first start in gold. Charlie Cale is handed a first Test start at flanker, with Carlo Tizzano named at No 7 and captain Harry Wilson anchoring the scrum.
Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell are picked to start in the front row with Josh Nasser at hooker. Prop Massimo De Lutiis is included on the bench and, if he takes the field for a Test debut, will become the 1,000th player capped for the Wallabies.
Australia: 15-Tom Wright, 14-Max Jorgensen, 13-Isaac Henry, 12-Hunter Paisami, 11-Harry Potter, 10-Carter Gordon, 9-Ryan Lonergan, 8-Harry Wilson (captain), 7-Carlo Tizzano, 6-Charlie Cale, 5-Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4-Lachlan Shaw, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-Josh Nasser, 1-Angus Bell.
Reserves: 16-Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17-Aidan Ross, 18-Massimo De Lutiis, 19-Jeremy Williams, 20-Fraser McReight, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Ben Donaldson, 23-Filipo Daugunu.
“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 coach said. “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.”