New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has quickly made his mark after naming his first team for Saturday's clash with Japan in Osaka
NSW Waratahs enforcer Miles Amatosero and veteran Reds prop Aidan Ross are in line for their debut starts, with Reds teammate Hunter Paisami set to feature for the first time in 2026.
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It comes as versatile Red Isaac Henry has been named on the bench for his potential debut.
“Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches," Kiss said in a statement.
“The players selected now have the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the gold jersey and we know they’ll do everything they can to earn the support of all Australians when they take to the field in Osaka on Saturday night.”
Amatosero has been named to partner Josh Canham in the second row after making his Test debut in the last game against Italy.
It comes as part of a freshened-up tight five including Ross and Josh Nasser. Ross made his Wallabies debut in the corresponding fixture last year, with Nasser returning after a concussion.
Flanker Fraser McReight returns to the openside position, while Hunter Paisami fills the void left by the injured Len Ikitau as the lone change to the backline.
Kiss has resisted the temptation to bring Carter Gordon straight back after a calf injury, instead backing the ACT halves combo of Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith.
Midfielder Henry is joined on the bench by the returning Charlie Cale, set for his first appearance of the year.
The replacements are filled with experience, with Angus Bell and Jeremy Williams reverting to finishing roles.
The Wallabies have never lost to Japan, with the match their first against Japan in Osaka.
1. Aidan Ross (3 Tests) - #994; Bond University
2. Josh Nasser (13 Tests) - #979; Easts Tigers
3. Allan Alaalatoa (91 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (5 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
5. Miles Amatosero (1 Test) - #998; South Coogee Red Devils
6. Rob Valetini (65 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (42 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (39 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (8 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (2 Tests) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (12 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (35 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (21 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (23 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (46 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (21 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (53 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Taniela Tupou (70 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Jeremy Williams (28 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Charlie Cale (2 Tests) - #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
21. Tate McDermott (53 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (21 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Isaac Henry* - uncapped; Kenmore Bears
*denotes potential Test debut
