Nick Champion de Crespigny has made a stunning leap into the Wallabies’ starting side, earning his first Test cap in Saturday’s high-stakes British and Irish Lions opener, as new coach Joe Schmidt unveils a fresh-faced squad aiming to cause an upset in Brisbane.
One of only two uncapped players in the 36-man squad, the flanker has surged into contention following injuries to key back-rowers Rob Valetini and Langi Gleeson. Champion de Crespigny returned to Australian rugby this year after a stint in France’s Top 14 with Castres Olympique, signing with the Western Force and quickly climbing the selection ranks.
Coach Schmidt has also opted to rest powerhouse lock Will Skelton, who missed the recent Fiji Test due to a calf issue, and has handed the playmaking reins to 22-year-old Tom Lynagh in a revamped halves combination alongside Jake Gordon.
Ben Donaldson will offer cover from the bench, with Schmidt choosing not to recall veteran James O’Connor, who famously played all three Tests against the Lions back in 2013.
Hooker Matt Faessler returns to the starting lineup after a three-try performance in his last appearance for the Wallabies. His inclusion follows his recent comeback from a hamstring injury, which saw him line up for the Queensland Reds rather than face Fiji.
In further changes, Andrew Kellaway has replaced Filipo Daugunu on the bench, which also features Billy Pollard, Tate McDermott, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, and Carlo Tizzano.
Veteran prop James Slipper joins George Smith as the only Wallabies to appear in two Lions series during the professional era, while Harry Wilson retains the captaincy at number eight.
Lynagh, who hasn’t played since fracturing his hand in the Reds’ Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, will make Wallabies history alongside his father, Michael Lynagh — the duo becoming the first father-son pair to represent Australia against the Lions. The younger Lynagh, born in Italy and raised in England, relocated to Australia in 2021 and has become a key figure under Reds coach Les Kiss.
Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions are expected to announce their match-day squad later on Thursday, with speculation mounting that long-time tourist Owen Farrell — coached by his father, Andy Farrell — will not be included in the side.
Wallabies Starting XV:
James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright.
Reserves:
Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.
Explanation of major changes:
- Reworded for clarity and professional tone while preserving all key details.
- Organized the squad information for easier reading.
- Condensed and clarified background info on players and context of their selection.
