Potter to debut, Wilson returns to captain Wallabies against Scotland
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Harry Potter is set to become Wallaby number 989, selected to start on the left wing in the side’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday afternoon local time.
The Melbourne junior will become the 18th Wallabies debutant this year and will link with last weekend’s hat-trick scorer Tom Wright, and right winger Andrew Kellaway in the back three, for the side’s third Test of their Grand Slam Spring Tour.
He’s one of six changes to the starting XV with captain Harry Wilson returning to the number eight jersey, while Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker in his first Northern Hemisphere Test, with Rob Valetini moving back to blindside flanker.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns at outside centre in Edinburgh, with Len Ikitau shifting in one backline position to the number 12 jersey, in place of the suspended Samu Kerevi.
After missing last week, Jake Gordon has been recalled at scrumhalf to partner Noah Lolesio who starts at flyhalf for the fifth consecutive Test, and ninth overall so far this season.
The final change to the starting side sees Jeremy Williams back in the run on second row where he will partner with Will Skelton. Angus Bell, Matt Faessler and Allan Alaalatoa will form the starting front row.
Melbourne’s Isaac Kailea has been named as the substitute loosehead prop, in what will be his first appearance on the Tour, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Zane Nonggorr the replacement hooker and tighthead prop respectively.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will again bring experience as the lock cover, while Langi Gleeson is the substitute back rower, returning to Murrayfield having made his Test debut at the venue back in 2022.
The energetic Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson have again been selected as the replacement halves with Max Jorgensen completing the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The week has been complicated, with the freezing conditions ruling out training fields but the group have adapted well to the situation.”
“The core of the Scotland team has been together for a number of years. They’re cohesive and combative and we will need to be at our best on Sunday.”
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1. Angus Bell (34 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (14 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Allan Alaalatoa (78 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
5. Will Skelton (31 Tests) – The Hills Sports High School
6. Rob Valetini (50 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (4 Tests) - University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (20 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (27 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (27 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Harry Potter* - Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (37 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (2 Tests) – The Kings School
14. Andrew Kellaway (37 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (35 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (18 Tests) – Southern Districts
17. Isaac Kailea (6 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Zane Nonggorr (9 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (39 Tests) - Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (12 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (39 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (15 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Max Jorgensen (5 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
*denotes uncapped
