Exciting Waratahs backs Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ben Donaldson have been named to make their Wallabies debuts in Sunday’s (12am AEDT) Test against Italy in Florence.
Nawaqanitawase, 22, will start on the right wing while Donaldson, 23, has been named on the bench to provide playmaking cover behind Noah Lolesio.
Nawaqanitawase has been one of Australian rugby’s biggest movers in 2022 and booked his tour ticket with some eye-catching performances for Australia A in their series against a Japan XV last month.
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“He’s had a helluva season, excellent for Australia A, both in Fiji and in Japan,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“He’s a big man. Aerially outstanding, going forward and under a high ball, his ability to beat defenders.
“He’s made big shifts defensively, he’s got post tackle presence, kicks the ball well. Generally we’ve got a pretty small backline, so it gives us a point of difference.”
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As forecast, Rennie has made sweeping changes to his team after the heartbreaking loss to France in Paris.
In the backs, Nawaqanitawase replaces Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami comes in for the injured Lalakai Foketi, Lolesio takes the No.10 jersey from Bernard Foley and Jake Gordon starts at halfback ahead of Nic White.
Up front, there is a brand new loose forward trio of Pete Samu, Fraser McReight and Ned Hanigan as Michael Hooper gets a breather.
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Man mountain Will Skelton gets his first start of the tour in place of Cadeyrn Neville while first time captain Allan Alaalatoa forms a new front row with Folau Fainga’a and Matt Gibbon.
Lock Darcy Swain returns from his suspension to take a place on the bench.
WALLABIES (15-1): Jock Campbell, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Pete Samu, Fraser McReight, Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Folau Fainga’a, Matt Gibbon
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou, Darcy Swain, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Jordan Petaia
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