Perth-born flanker Carlo Tizzano is set for his maiden Wallabies start in 2026 against Italy in coach Joe Schmidt's farewell Test on Saturday at HBF Park.
Tizzano's elevation is one of three changes to the starting team from last week's defeat to France, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Harry Potter both named to start.
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Paenga-Amosa and Potter come in for Josh Nasser (concussion) and Dylan Pietsch (calf contusion), with the Waratah set for his first appearance of the year.
Tizzano's last start came against Japan last year, featuring against Ireland and France off the bench to finish the year, starting ahead of Fraser McReight, who will finish off the game.
"Fraser had a bit of a knock from the game. The flight didn't help then and his knee was a bit immobile early in the week," Schmidt said.
"He was pretty quiet at training on Tuesday but he trained really well today.
"That was the first part of it and second part of it is Carlo's trained really well for us. He's never let us down when he has played for us. Hometown, home track, against a team where he would have connections....There's a real connection there for him. As I say, we've got lots of confidence in the way he plays."
It's a similar story for Potter, who started every game of the Spring Tour, while Paenga-Amosa has been rewarded for his extended stint last week, playing 77 minutes after Nasser's early exit.
Meanwhile, Amatosero is in line to become Wallaby #998 and the third debutant Schmidt has picked in as many Nations Championship matches.
This includes flyhalf Declan Meredith, with Schmidt keeping the faith with the playmaker alongside club teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
Amatosero is among several new faces on the bench, including the returning Ben Donaldson (calf).
Zane Nonggorr and Billy Pollard will make their first appearances of 2026, with McReight set for a rare appearance as a finisher.
The Wallabies have lost their last two to Italy, but have never been defeated by the Italians on home soil.
“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"
Schmidt will depart his post at the end of the Test alongside assistant coach Laurie Fisher.
1. Angus Bell (52 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (27 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts
3. Allan Alaalatoa (90 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (4 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (27 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (64 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (14 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (38 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (7 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (1 Test) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (11 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (52 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (20 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (22 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (45 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (20 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. James Slipper (153 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates
18. Zane Nonggorr (19 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Miles Amatosero* - uncapped; South Coogee Red Devils
20. Fraser McReight (41 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
21. Tate McDermott (52 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (20 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (21 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs *denotes potential Test debut
