Champion de Crespigny to captain Australia against Eddie Jones's Japan / Photo: WIKUS DE WET - AFP
Champion de Crespigny to captain Australia against Eddie Jones's Japan
Nick Champion de Crespigny was named Australia captain to face Japan in Tokyo on Saturday in just his third Test, with prop Zane Nonggorr earning his first start in a much-changed side.
The Wallabies face Eddie Jones's side before heading to Europe to take on England, Italy, Ireland and France on successive weekends.
Flanker Champion de Crespigny made his debut in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in July.
The 29-year-old will line up in the back row alongside Carlo Tizzano and Rob Valetini.
Nonggorr gets his first start in his 17th appearance for Australia, combining with Angus Bell and Josh Nasser in the front row.
Tane Edmed keeps his place at fly half despite the return of Carter Gordon to the squad after a stint in rugby league.
Dylan Pietsch returns from a jaw fracture to start on the left wing, with Corey Toole on the right and Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in the centres.
Aidan Ross was named on the bench and could become the fifth man to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test matches.
"The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose," said Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt.
"They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home."
Australia (15-1)
Andrew Kellaway; Corey Toole, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch; Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion De Crespigny (capt); Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams; Zane Nonggorr, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Josh Canham, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu
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