The Australian Wallabies are set to debut a new halves partnership as they prepare to face Ireland in their opening match of the Nations Championship this Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon will start together for the first time in key playmaking positions, with Lonergan also taking on the goalkicking duties following Jake Gordon’s injury.
Gordon has secured the No.10 jersey ahead of Ben Donaldson, who is expected to be named on the bench. The Wallabies have seen a rotating cast at the fly-half role over the past year, including players like Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tane Edmed, James O’Connor, Hamish Stewart, Donaldson, and Gordon. Lonergan and Gordon have not previously played together in a competitive match, marking a new combination for the side.
At fullback, Jock Campbell will start after being absent from the Test arena since the 2022 spring tour. The 31-year-old, who has had a strong season with Queensland, replaces the anticipated starter Max Jorgensen. Campbell is expected to join wingers Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch to form the back-three unit.
Coach Joe Schmidt appears set to retain the experienced midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Ikitau, who recently moved from English club Exeter, will reprise his role at inside centre wearing the No.12 jersey. Despite suggestions from assistant coach Laurie Fisher that Ikitau might be rested, his importance to the team is clear. Suaalii continues at outside centre despite a challenging season affected by injuries at New South Wales.
In the forwards, hooker Josh Nasser is named to start alongside Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. The second row is expected to feature Jeremy Williams from Western Force and Josh Canham of Queensland, with 23-year-old Lachie Shaw set to make his international debut off the bench. Shaw, a product of Brisbane Boys College and Gungahlin, will be seeking to impress in his first Test match. The back row will consist of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, and Harry Wilson, maintaining continuity against a formidable Irish forward pack.
Lonergan, who has previously earned five caps coming off the bench, will face one of the world’s top scrum-halves in Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park, who played a pivotal role in leading the British & Irish Lions to a series victory over Australia last year. Lonergan praised Gibson-Park’s game management and spatial awareness, describing him as a “class” player and one of the world’s best in his position.
Despite the challenge, Lonergan expressed confidence in his own form and readiness for the contest, citing increased game time and experience with the Brumbies this season as factors in his improved comfort and understanding of the game.
The Wallabies’ selection decisions reflect a blend of returning experience and emerging talent as they aim to build cohesion and competitiveness against a strong Irish side in the early stages of the Nations Championship.