Perth-born Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker against Italy in his hometown on Saturday night as part of round three of the Nations Championship.
His inclusion for his first Test of 2026, is one of three changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s Test against France, with his club teammate Brandon Paenga-Amosa starting at hooker, having put in a strong shift in Brisbane last weekend.
Winger Harry Potter is the final change to the run on side for HBF Park, replacing Dylan Pietsch who is unavailable for selection due to a calf contusion.
Potter will combine with Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in the back three, with a settled midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii selected for what is the final Wallabies Test for coaches Joe Schmidt and Laurie Fisher.
Experienced props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa finalise the front row, with Josh Canham and Western Force captain Jeremy Williams lining up as the starting locks for the third consecutive Test.
Tizzano will link with Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the back row, while last weekend’s debutant Declan Meredith earns another opportunity at flyhalf, working alongside Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan who is named to start at scrumhalf for the third straight match.
Fellow Brumby Billy Pollard and Queenslander Zane Nonggorr have been selected for their first Test of 2026 in the replacement front row – with veteran James Slipper the substitute loosehead prop.
South Coogee junior Miles Amatosero is in line to become Wallaby number 998, named for a potential debut off the pine as the replacement lock, with last weekend’s dual try scorer Fraser McReight the remaining forward cover.
Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson are named as the substitute halves, with Filipo Daugunu’s versatility earning him the final spot in the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “We’ve shown some encouraging signs but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match.
“The challenge for us this week is to perform at a consistently high standard against a dangerous Italian side, who were hugely competitive in the Six Nations, beating both Scotland and England as well as running other teams close.”
Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies vs Italy, 6:00pm AWST on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
