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BackMassimo De Lutiis poised to become 1,000th Wallaby as Les Kiss shakes up team for Japan Test
Massimo De Lutiis poised to become 1,000th Wallaby as Les Kiss shakes up team for Japan Test
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ABC Business3 hours agoSports1 min readAustralia

Massimo De Lutiis poised to become 1,000th Wallaby as Les Kiss shakes up team for Japan Test

Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis named on the bench for the Wallabies' second Test against Japan in Townsville.

Quick Look

Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis is set to become the 1,000th Wallaby if he takes the field from the bench against Japan in Townsville, as coach Les Kiss makes major changes to his matchday squad.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The Wallabies are playing a two-Test series against Japan ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

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Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis has been named on the bench for the Wallabies' second Test against Japan.

De Lutiis will be the 1,000th Wallaby capped should he take the field in Townsville on Saturday.

The 1,000th Wallaby is poised to be capped in Townsville after hulking prop Massimo De Lutiis was named on the bench to face Japan.

Les Kiss, in his second game in charge, has also recalled fly half Carter Gordon at Declan Meredith's expense.

With Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii injured, he has given Isaac Henry a starting debut at outside centre a week after he earned his first minutes in a tight Osaka defeat of Eddie Jones's side.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto's Test return has also been secured, the Queensland Reds firebrand set to partner Lachlan Shaw — in his starting debut — in the second row, with Jeremy Williams on the bench and Josh Canham rested.

Kiss has also shaken up the back row, with Charlie Cale and Carlo Tizzano to partner skipper Harry Wilson, leaving Fraser McReight on the bench and Rob Valetini out of the 23.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa will get his chance under Kiss as replacement hooker while Filipo Daugunu has also been included on the bench as backline cover.

Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou also return to the starting side after stirring second-half cameos in Osaka, while the back three are unchanged and Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson again provide play-making options on the bench.

It continues the theme of Kiss's tenure, with the new coach keen to assess his options before a long run of Tests ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan," Kiss 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."

Gordon impressed at fly half against Ireland, before missing the next two Tests with a calf injury.

Meredith started in the past three Tests alongside Brumbies clubmate Ryan Lonergan, who has been retained the starting scrum half role.

WALLABIES (1-15): Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Charlie Cale, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright.

BENCH (16-23): Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Jeremy Williams, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

  • Wallabies play Japan in the second Test in Townsville

    Very likely · Within days

Open Questions

  • Will Massimo De Lutiis take the field to become the 1,000th Wallaby?

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This article was originally published by ABC Business.

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