Outgoing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is taking selection risks for his final match in charge, retaining Declan Meredith at flyhalf and dropping Fraser McReight to the bench in favor of Carlo Tizzano for Saturday's Nations Championship clash against Italy in Perth.
Meredith retains flyhalf role despite Donaldson's return
Meredith, who made his Wallabies debut last week against France after Ben Donaldson and Carter Gordon were sidelined with calf injuries, will start again at flyhalf. Donaldson has proven his fitness but will be used as a replacement. Fullback Jock Campbell, who served as reserve flyhalf last Saturday, has been omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
The Wallabies are aiming to end a six-game losing streak when they face world No. 10 Italy at HBF Park. Schmidt has overseen nine losses in the past 10 matches, bringing his overall record to 11 wins from 30 Tests. A defeat on Saturday would give Schmidt the worst winning percentage of any Wallabies coach in the professional era.
McReight dropped despite two tries against France
In another bold move, McReight has been relegated to the bench despite scoring two first-half tries against France last week. Carlo Tizzano, the Western Force star, will start at openside flanker in his first Test of 2026, eager to impress his home fans in Perth.
Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero is in line to make his Wallabies debut after being named among the replacements. Amatosero was suspended earlier this year following an ugly training ground fight that fractured the face of his Waratahs teammate Angus Scott-Young.
Team changes and Italy's challenges
Harry Potter has been named on the wing to replace the injured Dylan Pietsch (calf). The world No. 8 Wallabies are in a slump, with players vowing to send off Schmidt and assistant coach Laurie Fisher on a high note.
Italy are also winless in the Nations Championship, having lost to Japan (27-10) and New Zealand (47-17). They will be without star second rower Niccolo Cannone, who received a four-match ban for headbutting.
The Wallabies lineup: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (captain), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell. Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
