Western Force back-rower and Wallaby number 991 Nick Champion de Crespigny will become the 92nd captain of Australia when he leads the side against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon.
The Canberran will skipper the side in what is just his third Test, linking with Force teammate Carlo Tizzano and number eight Rob Valetini in the back row for the match at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
Champion de Crespigny follows in the footsteps of Force players Nathan Sharpe and David Pocock to captain the Wallabies.
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Champion de Crespigny and Tizzano are two of four Force players in the starting side alongside the returning Dylan Pietsch, plus another two among the reserves totalling six in the 23-player team.
Queensland’s Zane Nonggorr has earned his first Test start in his 17th appearance for his country, combining with Angus Bell and Josh Nasser in the run on front row for what is the first of five consecutive matches on the squad’s End of Year Tour.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams are the starting lock pairing for what will be the Wallabies first ever Test against Japan in Tokyo.
Wiradjuri man Pietsch returns from a jaw fracture to start at on the left wing, with fellow Olympian Corey Toole selected on the right edge. Andrew Kellaway also returns from injury to be selected at fullback and finalise the back three.
Reds pair Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will form a familiar midfield combination, as will NSW Waratahs teammates Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed who start in the halves for the second straight Test.
Aidan Ross has the potential to become just the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test Rugby, named as a likely debutant as the replacement loosehead prop. He joins Brumbies hooker Billy Pollard and Force tighthead Tom Robertson as the substitute front row.
After impressing in Australia A’s win over Japan XV in Osaka last weekend, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart have both been named for his first Tests of 2025 as the replacement lock and playmaker respectively.
Regular skipper Harry Wilson has been selected as cover for the back row, while Ryan Lonergan continues to build experience at international level as the substitute scrumhalf. The versatile Filipo Daugunu rounds on the match day 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces.
“The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home.”
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Wallabies vs Japan
National Stadium in Tokyo
Saturday 25 October, 1:50pm AWST
Starting List
1. Angus Bell (44 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (8 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Zane Nonggorr (16 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
4. Jeremy Williams (20 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (43 Tests) – #914; Randwick
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny (c) (2 Tests) - #991; Canberra Grammar School
7. Carlo Tizzano (11 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
8. Rob Valetini (57 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
9. Jake Gordon (32 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tane Edmed (4 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors
11. Dylan Pietsch (7 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Hunter Paisami (32 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Josh Flook (5 Tests) - #972; Brothers Rugby
14. Corey Toole (4 Tests) – #992; Wagga Waratahs
15. Andrew Kellaway (45 Tests) - #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (16 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Aidan Ross* - uncapped; Bond University
18. Tom Robertson (36 Tests) - #898; Dubbo Kangaroos
19. Josh Canham (1 Test) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Harry Wilson (31Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
21. Ryan Lonergan (2 Tests) - #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Hamish Stewart (2 Tests) - #986; Toowoomba Bears
23. Filipo Daugunu (15 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs
Spring Tour
Wallabies v Japan at 1:50pm AWST on Saturday 25 October at National Stadium, Tokyo
Wallabies v England, at 11:10pm AWST on Saturday 1 November at Allianz Stadium, London
Wallabies v Italy at 1:40am AWST on Sunday 9 November at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Wallabies v Ireland at 4:10am AWST on Sunday 16 November at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wallabies v France at 4:10am AWST on Sunday 23 November at Stade de France, Paris
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