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New Australia coach Kiss gives Japan starts to Ross, Amatosero / Photo: Saeed KHAN - AFP
New Australia coach Kiss gives Japan starts to Ross, Amatosero
Les Kiss handed lock Miles Amatosero and prop Aidan Ross their first starts for Australia as the new coach named his first team Thursday since taking over from Joe Schmidt.
Australia face Japan in sweltering Osaka on Saturday with the former Queensland Reds coach Kiss having just 14 months before the World Cup on home soil to mould his side into serious contenders.
Under Schmidt, the Wallabies won just 12 of 31 Tests.
Fraser McReight returns as flanker after Carlo Tizzano started in the 57-10 thumping of Italy in Perth last month, while hooker Josh Nasser is back after missing the clash with concussion.
The only change in the backline sees the recall of Hunter Paisami for the first time this season in place of injured inside centre Len Ikitau.
"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," said Kiss.
"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."
Ross, who played a single game for New Zealand in 2022, will start at loosehead prop in his fourth Test in place of Angus Bell, who is on the bench.
He will combine with Nasser and the experienced Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop.
Amatosero replaces the benched Jeremy Williams in the second row and will start alongside Josh Canham, who scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy.
ACT Brumbies scrum-half Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith at fly-half pair up for the third consecutive Test.
Versatile centre Isaac Henry could make his debut off the bench while Charlie Cale was named as a substitute for his first appearance since 2024 as forward cover.
Australia (15-1)
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Miles Amatosero, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry
(K.Lee--TAG)
