The Wallabies are set to face Italy in Perth this Saturday, marking the final match for head coach Joe Schmidt and assistant coach Laurie Fisher. This fixture is part of the third round of the Nations Championship, where both teams are currently winless. The Wallabies are looking to avoid losing all three July Tests, a situation not seen since 2016.
Carlo Tizzano, a Perth native, will start at openside flanker in his hometown game. This marks his first Test appearance of 2026 and is one of three changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s match against France. His club teammate, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, will start at hooker, following a strong performance in Brisbane. Harry Potter is the third change, replacing Dylan Pietsch on the wing, who is unavailable due to a calf contusion.
The back three will feature Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright. The midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains unchanged. In the front row, experienced props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa will start, while Josh Canham and Western Force captain Jeremy Williams are the starting locks for the third consecutive Test.
Tizzano will join Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the back row. Declan Meredith, who debuted last weekend, will again start at flyhalf, partnering with Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan at scrumhalf for the third straight match. Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr have been selected for their first Test of 2026 in the replacement front row, with James Slipper as the substitute loosehead prop.
Miles Amatosero is in line to potentially make his debut off the bench as a replacement lock. Fraser McReight, who scored two tries last weekend, will provide additional forward cover. Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson are named as substitute halves, with Filipo Daugunu completing the matchday 23.
Coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged the team’s encouraging signs but stressed the need for sustained accuracy and effort. He highlighted the challenge of performing consistently against a dangerous Italian side that was competitive in the Six Nations, securing victories against Scotland and England.
The Wallabies have experienced a challenging start to 2026, with six consecutive losses and defeats in nine of their last ten matches. Schmidt’s tenure, which began in 2024 with three home victories, has since seen only eight wins in 27 Tests. A loss to Italy would push his win-loss record below 36%, which would be the lowest win-rate for an Australian coach since the game turned professional.
Incoming coach Les Kiss will take over after this match, facing a demanding schedule that includes Tests in Hokkaido, Townsville, San Salvador de Jujuy, and Mendoza. The Wallabies will encounter strong opposition, including Japan, coached by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, and an improved Argentina side.
Italy, also winless in the Nations Championship, suffered a 27-10 loss to Japan and a 47-17 defeat to New Zealand. Despite these results, they trailed the All Blacks by only 14-10 at half-time. The Azzurri will be without several key players due to rest, injury, and suspension, but their backline remains strong with players like Paolo Garbisi and Louis Lynagh.
The decision to start Declan Meredith at flyhalf over the fit Ben Donaldson has been noted. Meredith, who made his Test debut recently, aims to build on his performance. Donaldson expressed confidence in Meredith’s abilities, stating he controlled the game well against France. This match on Saturday, July 18, at HBF Park in Perth, will be a significant moment for the team as they aim to end the Schmidt era on a positive note.
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Source: theguardian.com
