Wright to lead the Wallabies against Wales after Schmidt overhauls Australia's squad

SYDNEY (AP) — Liam Wright will lead the Wallabies against Wales on Saturday after Joe Schmidt completely overhauled Australia’s squad for his first test in charge.

Wright has been captain of the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby since 2020 but has only played five test matches for Australia. He'll be the seventh player to lead the Wallabies in two seasons.

That’s of little concern to Schmidt, who retained in the starting XV just four of the players who started Australia’s last test in a dismal World Cup performance last year.

“Liam ... is really understated,” Schmidt said. “He was identified by the players as a natural leader in the group. He’s a lineout caller, so he already has a responsibility in the team.

“I think what all the coaches liked about Liam is he doesn’t really say that much — he just gets on and gets the job done really well."

When asked if the captaincy was a long-term appointment, Schmidt responded: “At the moment, everything’s pretty short-term, including our preparation."

“For this weekend, it was a discussion around who’s likely to stay on for a long period of time, who already has a responsibility in the team," he said.

Schmidt had a successful tenure as Ireland coach from 2013-19. After a brief return to New Zealand, he moved to Australi a after Eddie Jones quit the job in January. He wants to put his own stamp on the Wallabies.

He selected lock Jeremy Williams and center Josh Flook for their test debuts and picked hooker Matt Faessler in the starting XV for the first time.

Williams will partner in the second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who is returning from a stint in England with Northampton for his first test since 2021.

Five of the eight reserves are uncapped, including backup flyhalf Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh. Another, replacement hooker Billy Pollard, has played one test.

Prop Allan Alaalatoa and scrumhalf Tate McDermott, both selected on the bench, have led the Wallabies during the last 12 months.

Alaalatoa lost his starting spot to the recalled Taniela Tupou, and Jake Gordon was picked to start at No. 9 ahead of McDermott.

Tom Wright, who missed selection for the World Cup squad last year, returns at fullback and Andrew Kellaway will move to the wing. Filipo Daugunu was recalled to start on the other wing.

Schmidt and Wales coach Warren Gatland, both New Zealanders, have a long history as rival coaches heading into this two-test series.

And while Schmidt is determined to get his tenure started with a win, Gatland needs to end a seven-test losing streak, including a loss to world champion South Africa last month at Twickenham.

Wales trounced Australia 40-6 in the group stage of the World Cup in France last year, but hasn't beaten the Wallabies on Australian soil in 11 tests since 1969.

Only three of the starting XV from that win over Australia last September will start again in Sydney.

Gatland unveiled a starting lineup containing a halves combination with a total of three test caps between them: scrumhalf Ellis Bevan coming off his test debut and Ben Thomas starting at No. 10.

Josh Hathaway was selected on the wing to make his test debut, the only uncapped player in the 23-man squad.

Skipper Dewi Lake will start at hooker and Aaron Wainwright will be at No. 8 for his 50th test, making him the most experienced player in the starting forward pack.

“We’ve had a good week of preparations here in Sydney and are excited to get out on field on Saturday,” Gatland said. "This first test is going to be a great challenge for us.

“Test matches are all about fine margins and we know we need to be accurate, keep our discipline and stay in the fight for the full 80 minutes.”

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Australia: Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright (captain), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, James Slipper. Reserves: Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.

Wales: Liam Williams, Josh Hathaway, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer, Ben Thomas, Ellis Bevan; Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree, Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas. Reserves: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O’Connor, Cory Hill, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Nick Tompkins.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby