Wallaby coach Schmidt makes massive changes ahead of Georgia v Australia clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named his third captain in as many Tests. Allan Alaalatoa will be in charge against Georgia, while winger Darby Lancaster will make his debut in one of 10 changes to the starting XI.

Schmidt appointed Liam Wright as his first captain of the season for their win over Wales in Sydney this month, but he was injured and James Slipper took over for the second Test in Melbourne.

But neither was among the 23 players for Saturday’s match in Sydney against the Georgians, who have just secured a narrow win over Japan in Sendai.

Schmidt instead opted to continue experimenting for Australia’s final match of the Rugby Championship in August, where they begin with back-to-back matches against world champions South Africa.

“Georgia have proven to be a very difficult team to play against, as evidenced by their wins against Italy and Wales in recent years, and also their win last week in Japan,” said Schmidt.

“They have added some very exciting full-backs to their traditional forward pack and are challenging opponents all over the field.”

The 21-year-old Lancaster will strengthen the full-backs, along with Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright.

Isaac Kailea and Billy Pollard will both get their first starts in the front row with Alaalatoa, while Nick Frost makes his first return in 2024, partnering Angus Blyth in the second row.

Harry Wilson will play his first Test since 2022 at No. 8, with Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini on the openside and blindside flanks respectively.

Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson will play together in the halves, replacing Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio, who both started tests against Wales.

Center Len Ikitau returns from injury and now plays in midfield alongside Hunter Paisami.

Alex Hodgman has been given the chance to join rare company as the fourth man to represent both New Zealand and Australia in a rugby test match, having been named as replacement loosehead prop.

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Isaac Kailea.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Jeremy Williams, 21 Nic White, 22 Noah Lolesio, 23 Andrew Kellaway.

Date: Saturday July 20
Location: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 15.45 (05.45 GMT; 09.45 GET)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)