The ACT Brumbies will once again provide a strong presence in Wallabies gold, with six named in the 23-man squad to face Italy in Saturday night’s Nations Championship clash at HBF Park.
Headlining the inclusions is Declan Meredith, who has been backed to start his second consecutive Test at fly-half after making his Test debut against France last weekend. He will continue his combination with club teammate Ryan Lonergan, who starts at scrum-half for the third straight match.
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 returning to the run-on side at hooker after a strong shift in Brisbane.
Winger Harry Potter is the final change to the starting side at 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, while a settled midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been retained for what will be the final Wallabies Test for coaches Joe Schmidt and Laurie Fisher.
Experienced props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa round out 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 captain Harry Wilson in a dynamic back row.
The Brumbies presence continues among the replacements, with Billy Pollard selected for his first Test of 2026 in the replacement front row alongside Queenslander Zane Nonggorr, while veteran Brumby James Slipper provides experienced cover at loosehead prop.
Miles Amatosero is in line to become Wallaby No.998, named as a potential debutant off the bench at lock, with last weekend’s dual try-scorer Fraser McReight providing the remaining forward cover.
The remainder of the bench sees Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson named as the substitute halves, while Filipo Daugunu’s versatility earns him the final spot in the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the side had shown encouraging signs but would need to maintain its accuracy and effort against a dangerous Italian outfit.
“We've shown some encouraging signs but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match,” Schmidt said.
“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.”
The Wallabies will face Italy at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 18 July at 6:00pm AWST.
