Code-hopping Carter Gordon back as Wallabies’ number 10
Ian Chadband |
Carter Gordon will be thrust into his first rugby Test since the World Cup with the code-hopper asked to take the Wallabies’ flyhalf reins in a key international against Italy in Udine.
Coach Joe Schmidt has decided the 24-year-old, who’s back in union business after his spell with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, should take the No.10 shirt for Saturday’s Test from Tane Edmed, who drops to the bench following Australia’s poor showing in the 25-7 defeat to England last weekend.
Edmed had started the last three matches at 10, as the eight-times capped Gordon, who’s signed a deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds through to the end of 2028, was struggling with a slight quad injury and still reacquainting himself with the international 15-a-side game.
Now into the three-week international window, the Wallabies are also bolstered by the return of blindside flanker Tom Hooper, but there’s no place for his Exeter clubmate, player of the year Len Ikitau, who may be being saved for the final two Tests of the tour in Ireland and France.
Rob Valetini will now provide impetus from the bench, along with Pete Samu, who’s been selected for his first Test since 2023 following his spell in France with Bordeaux.
There’s another boost up front with hooker Matt Faessler pulling on the gold jersey for the first time since the British & Irish Lions series, having now recovered from a calf injury, as Billy Pollard reverts to the bench.
The surprise in the backline is the inclusion of Brumbies winger Corey Toole, who comes in for Max Jorgensen.
Aidan Ross, the former All Black, has been chosen for his second Wallabies Test as the substitute loosehead prop, with his Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr the replacement tighthead.
Australia, whose only loss to Italy in 10 previous meetings came last time out in 2022 in a 28-27 defeat in Florence, are seeking valuable ranking points to ensure they move up one spot to a top-six place that will ensure they avoid the biggest guns in next month’s World Cup draw.
Schmidt said in a statement: “The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend.
“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.”
Australia team to face Italy:
1. Angus Bell, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson; 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Carter Gordon, 11. Harry Potter, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Corey Toole, 15. Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Rob Valetini, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
AAP
