Schmidt era begins with 44-year first as SEVEN debutants picked to face Wales

Joe Schmidt called himself “boring” and a “pragmatist” when he was announced as Wallabies coach earlier this year but his first Test match selection tells a different story – with the most number of potential debutants in 44 years, only seven survivors from the World Cup squad and a near rookie captain.

Schmidt, as first reported by The Roar on Wednesday, has opted for seven potential debutants – two in the starting team and five on the bench for the match against Wales on Saturday night in Sydney.

He’s also opted for a captain in Liam Wright who will be playing only his sixth Test. Wright becomes the seventh Wallabies captain inside 12 months and the least experienced in terms of caps since Ken Catchpole on debut in 1961. There have been 36 skippers since Catchpole.

A year ago, Eddie Jones named four debutants for his first Test back in charge, and also took some gambles on out of form players such as Suliasi Vunivalu.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WALES 23 TO FACE THE WALLABIES

If all seven players get on the field it will be the most number of debutants for the Wallabies since 1980 – 44 years ago -against Fiji in Suva.

Only seven players remain from the World Cup debacle under Jones: James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott and Andrew Kellaway.

It could be argued that Schmidt has picked on form. One of those on the bench is Tom Lynagh, son of Wallaby legend Michael, who has benefitted from the departure to NRL of Carter Gordon and an injury to Ben Donaldson.

Tom Lynagh of Queensland Reds runs the ball during the Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at the Allianz Stadium on May 31, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There are some big name omissions, with Nic White missing out and Jake Gordon back to start at No.9 with Tate McDermott off the bench.

Brumbies forwards Tom Hooper and Nick Frost miss the 23 despite being regulars under Jones, and their Super Rugby team’s run to the semis.

Queensland dominate selection with nine players – and Schmidt admitted he spent a lot of time discussing the squad with former coaching colleague Les Kiss at the Reds. There are seven Brumbies including exciting backrower Charlie Cale.

One of those Reds players is Liam Wright who will become the 89^th Wallabies captain and one of the least experienced to fulfill the role.

The No.6 has led the Queensland Reds since 2020 and also previously captained the Queensland U20s and Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship.

He joins Reds teammate Fraser McReight and Brumbies’ Rob Valetini in the starting back row.

Cale’s presence off the bench is exciting and clear reward for his exceptional season which caught the eye.

“His athleticism is through the roof,” said former Wallaby Justin Harrison on Stan Sport after Cale excelled in the Super Rugby quarterfinal win over Highlanders..

“He’s just outstanding. He’s an excitement machine. He’s a kid that’s playing well above his age and maturity, and Super capped, first time back on the field after a prolonged injury.

“He has taken off. Everything he’s doing at the moment is promoting the ball to be in better condition when he gets it for his teammates.”

His Brumbies teammate and Test centurion James Slipper will line up for his 135^th appearance from the start. Hooker Matt Faessler starts for the first time with Taniela Tupou preferred to Allan Alaalatoa as starting tighthead prop.

Western Force captain Jeremy Williams will make his debut in the second row alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto who will play his first international since 2021.

Gordon will combine with Noah Lolesio in the halves, the pair starting together three times previously for their country.

Reds duo Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook will start in the centres.

Tom Wright returns to the side at fullback, with Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu on the wings.

Billy Pollard is set to make his second Test appearance as the substitute hooker, with Alaalatoa and potential debutant Isaac Kailea the finishing props.

The 206cm Angus Blyth and Brumby Charlie Cale are two others in line for a potential Wallabies debut covering the second and back row respectively.

Dylan Pietsch rounds out the matchday 23, named on the bench for his potential Wallabies debut.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said in statement: “The squad has worked hard over the last week or so to prepare as best we can for what’s going to be an incredibly tough Test against Wales.”

Wallabies team to play Wales at Allianz Stadium, Sydney on Saturday 6 July, 7:45pm AEST