Australia team to face Italy - Code swapping star makes Wallabies return in Autumn Series

Gordon makes his return to rugby union following a two year hiatus in National Rugby League (NRL). Gordon had brief code-swap with the Gold Coast Titans, as well as running out for the Tweeds Heads Seagulls in the Queensland Cup. Gordon endured a problematic back injury that hindered his 2024/25 season, and eventually led to an early release with his intentions set upon a union return.

Matt Faessler will pull on the gold jersey for the first time since the British & Irish Lions Series, having fully recovered from a calf injury. The front rower has been named to start at hooker alongside run on props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.

Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will continue to build on their second row partnership at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine. Tom Hooper has been recalled to the side at blindside flanker, where he will re-establish a loose forward trio with openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson.

ACT Brumbies winger Corey Toole has been selected on the right edge, with last weekend’s try scorer Harry Potter retained on the left wing. Andrew Kellaway starts at fullback for the third straight Test. Billy Pollard shifts to the bench as the replacement hooker, with Aidan Ross selected for his second Wallabies Test as the substitute loosehead prop. His Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr is the replacement tighthead.

Back row battering ram Rob Valetini will provide punch off the bench, while Pete Samu has earned selection in what will be his first Test since 2023, having recently returned to Australian Rugby. Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan continues to build experience at Test level, selected for his fourth match in Wallaby gold, with Tane Edmed named as the replacement flyhalf. Filipo Daugunu earns another chance to showcase his versatility after being named in the 23 jersey.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend.

“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They'll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.

Wallabies team to play Italy at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine on Saturday November 8 at 6:40pm GMT/4:40am AEDT (Sunday)

1. Angus Bell (47 Tests)

2. Matt Faessler (15 Tests)

3. Taniela Tupou (66 Tests)

4. Nick Frost (35 Tests)

5. Jeremy Williams (22 Tests)

6. Tom Hooper (19 Tests)

7. Fraser McReight (36 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (c) (33 Tests)

9. Jake Gordon (34 Tests)

10. Carter Gordon (8 Tests)

11. Harry Potter (8 Tests)

12. Hunter Paisami (34 Tests)

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (15 Tests)

14. Corey Toole (5 Tests)

15. Andrew Kellaway (47 Tests)

16. Billy Pollard (18 Tests)

17. Aidan Ross (1 Test)

18. Zane Nonggorr (17 Tests)

19. Rob Valetini (59 Tests)

20. Pete Samu (33 Tests)

21. Ryan Lonergan (3 Tests)

22. Tane Edmed (6 Tests)

23. Filipo Daugunu (17 Tests)