Wallabies pick rookie flanker for Rugby Champs opener against Boks

Flanker Carlo Tizzano was on Thursday named to make his debut for Australia against the world champions South Africa in their opening match of the Rugby Championship.

The hard-tackling Waratahs forward starts at openside for the sold-out Test in Brisbane on Saturday alongside Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the Wallabies back row.

Tizzano replaces Fraser McReight, who misses the two home Tests against the Springboks with a thumb injury.

‘Fantastic opportunity’

“We have kept a work-in-progress eye on Carlo and this is a fantasstic opportunity for him,” Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt told reporters.

“We felt Carlo would suit the combination we picked in the back row. He’s such a good young man and we are really excited about watching him get under way.”

Veteran tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa captains the team alongside hooker Matt Faessler and 24-year-old prop Isaac Kailea as the Wallabies plot a rare win over the Springboks.

“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward,” Schmidt added.

ACT Brumbies loose forward Luke Reimer could also make his debut having been named on the bench.

Unbeaten

Australia are unbeaten since New Zealander Schmidt took the reins, seeing off gritty minnows Georgia 40-29 in Sydney last month after consecutive victories against Wales.

Australia had won just two of their previous nine Tests during a tumultuous period under former coach Eddie Jones.

Australia have won their last three Tests in Brisbane, where South Africa have not recorded a victory since 2013.

The Springboks are relying on the core of players that won last year’s World Cup and drew a two-Test series with Ireland last month.

Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will make his first Test start for South Africa, picked ahead of Handre Pollard, after coach Rassie Erasmus named his side earlier this week.

TEAMS

Australia: Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Faessler, Issac Kailea. Bench: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch

South Africa: Willie le Roux; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Elrigh Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain); RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Bench: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard