The Wallabies have restored Carter Gordon and Rob Valetini to their starting lineup for the Nations Championship clash with Scotland on Sunday, with coach Les Kiss backing the pair to turn around a side that has lost its last three Tests.
Gordon, returning from a broken leg, takes over the No 10 jersey after Declan Meredith was dropped from the match-day 23 following the defeat to England. The playmaker role has seen seven different starting flyhalves since the last World Cup.
Kiss backs Gordon to make the position his own
“Certainly Carter was the incumbent, so he was in a position of strength before he got injured,” Kiss said, noting Gordon had been gradually commanding the role before his injury against Argentina in September.
“Carter will bring his flavour, he will bring his voice, the way he loves to play the game. He loves to carry the ball forward, loves to change direction, and he’s got a savvy eye for the space and kicking game as well, so it’ll be different.”
Valetini returns to the back row
Kiss has also moved two-time John Eales Medal winner Valetini back into the starting XV at blindside flanker, alongside Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight, after using him as an impact substitute.
“He’s going to make a difference, that’s for sure, the momentum he can build,” Kiss said. “He had a very good session today, really lit it up. He’s got plenty in his legs to work with, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Suaalii shifts to inside centre
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been moved from the left wing to inside centre to partner Len Ikitau, marking the sixth successive midfield change after Isaac Henry’s tour-ending injury. The pair have started together in 17 previous Tests as the Wallabies look to shore up a defence that has conceded 138 points in their last three defeats.
Kiss defended Suaalii after criticism from former England wing Chris Ashton, who claimed the former rugby league star didn’t know what he was doing in union.
“I was told that he had some crap on him,” Kiss said. “Lift the bat, let it go through to the wicketkeeper … because this man is a team man, team first, he’s quality. None of us are exempt from a bit of criticism, does it matter? I don’t think in this case it does. That man will do everything for us, and we back him to the hilt. And I back him to the hilt – as I do the whole team.”
Kiss acknowledged the frustration among Australian fans, having been told critics on social media were suggesting not to bother tuning in early on Monday morning.
“This group are passionate,” said Kiss. “They absolutely appreciate deeply the support they get. We have to step up to the expectations that we have, and when we do that properly, I think we meet the expectations of most people. But there’s a lot in this team that’s bloody strong, and this team will do what they need to make sure that people are proud of them.”
Wallabies: Angus Bell, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson; Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
