The Wallabies are in a state of flux, with a merry-go-round of changes set to continue as they prepare for their upcoming match against Japan. The focus is on the fly-half position, with Carter Gordon expected to reclaim the No.10 jersey, replacing Declan Meredith. This decision comes after Gordon's performance last week, where he struggled, and the emergence of Japanese fly-half Ryunosuke Ito, who outshone him.
In the front row, the Wallabies are also making changes. The 22-year-old prop Massimo De Lutiis is poised to make his mark by becoming the 1000th Wallaby, despite only playing 13 matches for the Queensland Reds. This is a significant achievement, especially considering his weight and strength, as evidenced by his bench press record. De Lutiis' potential has been recognized by the Wallabies' coaching staff, with former scrum guru Mike Cron picking him for Australia A and bringing him into the Wallabies' first camp of 2025.
The Wallabies' coaching staff, led by Les Kiss, is also looking to freshen up the squad and provide opportunities for the wider team. This includes the return of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who was previously shunned by former coach Joe Schmidt, and the potential return of rising lock Lachie Shaw and onballer Carlo Tizzano. These changes are expected to be significant, with the Wallabies aiming to win three straight Tests for the first time since July 2024.
The upcoming matches are crucial for the Wallabies, with a two-Test tour against Argentina, a Test against South Africa, two Bledisloe Tests, and four November matches in the United Kingdom. The team's ability to adapt and make strategic changes will be vital to their success in these high-stakes games. The Wallabies' merry-go-round of changes is a testament to the competitive nature of the sport and the need for constant evolution in the rugby world.
