Australia is relying on some backline ingenuity, granting a debut to winger Harry Potter and reinstating Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the starting lineup for the Scotland Test match. Suaalii is poised for his most significant test yet in Wallabies gold, as the cross-code sensation returns to the outside centre position for the third leg of their British Isles grand slam quest at Murrayfield on Sunday.

In a team featuring six alterations from the lineup that overwhelmed Wales with a half-century of points last Sunday, coach Joe Schmidt will also be seeking some magic from Potter, the English-born back who will become Wallaby No 989. The 26-year-old versatile back will be the 18th Wallabies debutant in 2024, taking the left-wing spot and replacing Max Jorgensen, who moves to the bench.

This is a significant moment for the Western Force player, who was born in London before relocating to Melbourne at the age of 10. Unable to secure a place in Super Rugby, he returned to England and excelled for Leicester, aiding them in winning a Premiership title. With Samu Kerevi's tour concluded after his red card against Wales, Len Ikitau will revert to the No 12 jersey with Suaalii at 13. The former Rooster shone at outside centre with a man-of-the-match performance on his debut in the victory over England but was relegated to the bench in Cardiff.

Following his head injury, Jake Gordon returns to the scrum-half position, replacing Nic White, resulting in three changes to the backline that dismantled Wales. Up front, Harry Wilson returns to the No 8 and the captaincy, while Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker as Rob Valetini shifts back to blindside flanker. The other change to the starting lineup sees Jeremy Williams back in the second row.

Schmidt commented: "The week has been challenging, with freezing conditions ruling out training fields, but the team has adapted well to the circumstances. The core of the Scotland team has been together for several years. They are cohesive and combative, and we will need to be at our best on Sunday."

Australia team: Wright; Kellaway, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lolesio, Gordon; Bell, Faessler, Alaalatoa, Williams, Skelton, Valetini, Tizzano, Wilson (capt). Replacements: Paenga-Amosa, Kailea, Nonggorr, Salakaia-Loto, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Jorgensen.

Source link:   https://www.theguardian.com