(Reuters) – Carlo Tizzano will make his test debut against world champions South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday after being named at openside flanker for Australia’s Rugby Championship opener.
The abrasive 24-year-old gets his chance because of injuries to Fraser McReight and Liam Wright and will play alongside Harry Wilson and Rob Valetini in the back row at Lang Park.
Uncapped ACT Brumbies loose forward Luke Reimer will hope to debut off the bench.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side named on Thursday for the second straight test.
Coach Joe Schmidt also restored Noah Lolesio and Jake Gordon to the side at flyhalf and scrumhalf after resting them for the win against Georgia in Australia’s final July test.
Schmidt called overseas based winger Marika Koroibete into his squad for the championship but he was left out of the team.
Another Fiji-born player, Filipo Daugunu, keeps the left wing spot he filled in boths wins against Wales in July.
Prop Taniela Tupou will miss the game because of a family bereavement and Zane Nonggorr comes onto the bench as replacement tighthead.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh was named on the bench along with scrumhalf and Queensland Reds teammate Tate McDermott.
“There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on,” Schmidt said in a statement.
“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”
Australia team:
15-Tom Wright, 14-Andrew Kellaway, 13-Len Ikitau, 12-Hunter Paisami, 11-Filipo Daugunu, 10-Noah Lolesio, 9-Jake Gordon, 8-Harry Wilson, 7-Carlo Tizzano, 6-Rob Valetini, 5-Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4-Nick Frost, 3-Allan Alaalatoa (capt), 2-Matt Faessler, 1-Isaac Kailea
Replacements: 16-Josh Nasser, 17-James Slipper, 18-Zane Nonggorr, 19-Jeremy Williams, 20-Luke Reimer, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Tom Lynagh, 23-Dylan Pietsch.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Writing by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Michael Perry)
