Wallabies restore Carter Gordon and Rob Valetini as Kiss backs Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ahead of Scotland Test
Australia have recalled Carter Gordon and Rob Valini to the starting XV as they prepare to face Scotland in the Nations Championship on Sunday (Monday AEDT), coach Les Kiss announced. Kiss also publicly defended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii as he reshapes the midfield for the trip to Scotland.
Kiss said Gordon, returning from a broken leg, was given the No 10 role after Declan Meredith was omitted from the match-day 23 following last weekend’s defeat by England. The coach noted that seven different starting flyhalves have been used since the last World Cup and that Gordon had been establishing himself in the position before sustaining the leg injury against Argentina in September.
Kiss spoke directly about Gordon’s attributes: “Certainly Carter was the incumbent, so he was in a position of strength before he got injured,” and added, “Carter will bring his flavour, he will bring his voice, the way he loves to play the game. He loves to carry the ball forward, loves to change direction, and he’s got a savvy eye for the space and kicking game as well, so it’ll be different.”
Rob Valetini has been moved back into the starting No 6 role alongside Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight after previously being used off the bench. On Valetini’s return Kiss said: “He’s going to make a difference, that’s for sure, the momentum he can build,” and: “He had a very good session today, really lit it up. He’s got plenty in his legs to work with, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Suaalii has been shifted from the left wing to inside centre to pair with Len Ikitau following Isaac Henry’s tour-ending injury, marking the sixth successive midfield partnership change Kiss has had to make. Kiss referenced criticism of Suaalii from former England wing Chris Ashton and defended his selection, saying: “I was told that he had some crap on him,” and adding, “Lift the bat, let it go through to the wicketkeeper … because this man is a team man, team first, he’s quality.”
Kiss acknowledged public frustration with the Wallabies’ recent form, including social media calls advising viewers not to watch early on Monday morning, and stressed the squad’s response to support. “This group are passionate,” he said. “They absolutely appreciate deeply the support they get. We have to step up to the expectations that we have, and when we do that properly, I think we meet the expectations of most people.”
The starting XV named by Kiss reads: Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson; Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
With the Wallabies having conceded 138 points across their last three defeats, Kiss has reverted his selection and is aiming to avoid a fourth straight Test loss when Australia meet Scotland on Sunday (Monday AEDT).