Hunter Paisami will replace Samu Kerevi at No.12 against Japan as he returns for the first time since facing the All Blacks in August.
Paisami was first choice earlier in the campaign before leaving camp to attend the birth of his child.
With Kerevi, who suffered an ankle injury against Argentina, in storming form alongside Len Ikitau, Paisami struggled to get back into the squad and he was reportedly close to knocking back a place on the tour to stay behind with his family.
Paisami is one of four changes to the starting XV with Matt Philip returning to the second row, his Rebels teammate Rob Leota recalled at blindside flanker and Tom Wright named on the wing.
The front row remains unchanged for the fourth consecutive game with James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a and Taniela Tupou.
Slipper will surpass former teammates Will Genia and Sekope Kepu and join George Smith when he runs on for his 111th Test.
Philip will reignite his combination with Western Force recruit Izack Rodda in the second row, with Leota joined by skipper Michael Hooper and no.8 Rob Valetini in the loose forwards.
Nic White is at No.9 Quade Cooper, in what’s shaping as his last Test of the season.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney is set to become Wallaby no. 947, after being named on the bench.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “While it’s disappointing for Samu not to be able to play in Japan, Hunter started the first five Tests this year prior to the birth of his daughter and is chomping at the bit for another opportunity.”
“Connal’s strong set piece and all-around game has earned him a chance to represent his country, which is a proud moment for him and his family.
“We’ve got a huge amount of respect for the Brave Blossoms who are now competitive with the best sides in the world.
“We’ll need to be at our best.”
The match will be held in Oita, which was where they were beaten by England in the quarter final of the World Cup in 2019.
Japan are ranked No.10 in the world and coached by Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown.
“Always brutal, always high pace, so I expect the same,” Rennie said about the pair last week.
“They’ve got Scott Hansen in the mix from a defence point of view, obviously a smart man who has worked a lot with the Crusaders.
“They’ve got a very good, astute coaching group.
“They fronted pretty well against the Lions (in June), went very close to beating Ireland, had a fantastic World Cup, they’ve got a lot of experience in the group now and a number of foreigners who have done their time here and are now eligible to play for Japan.
“They’ve got a really good mix and a lot of confidence in their game.”
The Wallabies last played Japan in 2017, winning 63-30.
Wallabies team
1. James Slipper (110 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (21 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (35 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (30 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (19 Tests)
6. Rob Leota (2 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (115 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (14 Tests)
9. Nic White (43 Tests)
10. Quade Cooper (74 Tests)
11. Andrew Kellaway (9 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (11 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (9 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (6 Tests)
15. Reece Hodge (53 Tests)
Replacements
16. Connal McInerney*
17. Angus Bell (12 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (50 Tests)
19. Darcy Swain (9 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (15 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (11 Tests)
22. James O’Connor (57 Tests)
23. Jordan Petaia (14 Tests)
Nothing if not critical
Guest
Doran also tried to imply that the only reason Rennie invited Cooper to wallabies camp was because Foley turned down the invitation. But ofc there were no quotes or attributions, so did he make it up?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I never mentioned anything about his cramps Paulo… I was mentioning how he will need to work hard as it will not be easy getting back into the team.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Kellaway had more opportunities because there was a better #10 playing. Marika makes his own opportunities.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Training is one thing but some of these prodigies need to play on rough fields on a hot afternoons in pre-season club games on Saturday afternoon to develop their skills under pressure and help grow the grass roots game.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Quade can organise a team at short notice as his knock as Barbarian captain years ago demonstrated. I predict we will see a cracker of a game from he Wallaby backs if they show some patience and back up in support when attacking opportunities arise.
Paulo
Guest
You make it sound like he chose to get cramps. It just happens, man. Not the right salts or enough liquids intake. Hard to imagine he hasn’t been doing the fitness work with the team. Just bad luck.
Big A
Roar Rookie
2min 39 sec - enjoy https://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/new-zealand-countries
Daggett
Roar Rookie
Underrated comment. :thumbup:
Warwick Todd
Guest
I thought Thorn was setting standards for culture....HP mustn't be listening.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Your assumption about my name isn't correct, but I won't go into why because it doesn't matter. As to forwards supposedly being upset about a reserve back who is picked for his impact but may not play 80 minutes, hmmm ... How many forwards are there in test rugby around the world who never play 80 minutes yet are considered excellent players for the impact they bring when they are on the field? Get a grip Big A. Petaia is in the team for a reason. Want to name any wingers missing out that you reckon are better players to have on the bench for the Wallabies? None of them will be as good a tackler as JP. None of them will be as powerful a runner.
Big A
Roar Rookie
Hika - i'm assuming you're named after the great Hika Reid - what a player he was - one of the greats - who will ever forget that length of the field try at Ballymore in 1980. My comment above is referring to a winger that can't play 80 minutes shouldn't be in the team - i wonder what alot of the forwards would think who bust their proverbials for 80 minutes while the wingers are sea-gulling on the sidelines - it's time someone else got a bit of a go i reckon
Max Power
Guest
Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco who the Tahs signed for next year fits that bill perfectly. Played between 8 and 12 for the Sunwolves and almost made the Japan squad for the last WC. Sydney boy originally and looks big and fast and skillful. I think he might have been a Souths boy so Jez might know a bit more about him?
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Rob offers more with the ball than Swinton too which I like. Swinton has the harder edge to his tackling but Rob is less of a penalty magnet. Both are big men and lineout options so it is almost like for like there. As long as whoever is 6 is hitting rucks in a big way, I will be happy.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Hahaha his Holiness! What a waste...Richie should be ashamed.
jeznez
Roar Guru
We’ll never know just how good Marty Holah could have been!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
That’s a handy looking team. Good to see Rennie picking a strong lineup treating the Cherry Blossoms with the respect they deserve.
Mikeylives
Guest
Didn't realize Underhill was eligible for the wallabies.
Double Agent
Guest
No humiliation at all. They were self inflicted defeats!
Mo
Guest
Well said hika and note that against Japan in an emergency both Quade and Joc can cover 15. Kellaway is a good backup 15.
Mo
Guest
Japan is also a good opportunity to see rob again. We know Swinton can bring it to England and Wales. Scots have some good loosies. Comes time rob is swapped for Pete samu. He has clever and enough pace.