Campbell ends long wait for Wallabies recall
Jock Campbell will start at fullback for Australia when they face Ireland in the first Nations Championship Test on Saturday at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, marking his first Test appearance since late 2022. The 1,316-day exile ends for the 29-year-old, who played the last of his four Tests in Australia’s first ever loss to Italy in Florence in November 2022. Campbell impressed during the recent Super Rugby season, earning his recall to the starting XV.
Slipper comes out of retirement
James Slipper, Australia’s most-capped Test player, has been named as a replacement loosehead prop, confirming his return from retirement. The veteran adds experience to the bench for the clash against the world number three side.
Returning European-based players bolster squad
Centre Len Ikitau, flanker Tom Hooper, and props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou all return to Australian colours after playing club rugby in Europe. Their inclusion strengthens the squad as the Wallabies aim to start the new competition on a high note.
Halves combination and debutant on bench
Flyhalf Carter Gordon and scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will start in the halves, with Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott providing backup from the bench. Lock Lachlan Shaw is among the replacements and could make his Test debut if called upon.
Wilson retains captaincy
Loose forward Harry Wilson retains the captaincy for Saturday’s match. Coach Joe Schmidt expressed confidence in the group, stating: “The group has reconnected quickly and we’ve worked hard over the past week to prepare as best we can for what is an exciting challenge against the number three team in world rugby.”
Full Australia team for Ireland Test
Starting XV: 15–Jock Campbell, 14–Max Jorgensen, 13–Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12–Len Ikitau, 11–Dylan Pietsch, 10–Carter Gordon, 9–Ryan Lonergan, 8–Harry Wilson, 7–Fraser McReight, 6–Rob Valetini, 5–Josh Canham, 4–Jeremy Williams, 3–Allan Alaalatoa, 2–Josh Nasser, 1–Angus Bell. Replacements: 16–Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17–James Slipper, 18–Taniela Tupou, 19–Lachlan Shaw, 20–Tom Hooper, 21–Tate McDermott, 22–Ben Donaldson, 23–Tom Wright.
Australia's Nations Championship schedule
After hosting Ireland, Australia will also face France and Italy in July’s southern hemisphere section of the new competition. The Wallabies are hoping the Ireland clash provides a spark for coach Joe Schmidt’s farewell tour.
