Harry Potter to start for Australia against Lions in first Test

Western Force winger Harry Potter has been named in Australia’s starting XV for the opening Test against the British & Irish Lions this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The 27-year-old will start on the right wing in what marks one of the biggest matches of his career.

Potter joins Tom Wright and Max Jorgensen in the back three, forming a pacey and versatile combination. The midfield pairing is expected to feature Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau, while Tom Lynagh and Jake Gordon will control proceedings at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

Born in England but raised in Melbourne, Potter returned to Australian rugby after a successful stint with Leicester Tigers, where he won the Premiership title in 2022. He made his international debut for the Wallabies last year during the autumn tour and scored a try on debut in Edinburgh.

There are also changes in the forward pack. Nick Champion de Crespigny will earn his Test debut at blindside flanker, replacing the injured Rob Valetini.

Matt Faessler steps in at hooker, with James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa retaining their positions at prop. Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will partner in the second row, while Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson complete the back row.

Australia XV: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Nick Champion de Grespigny, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Matt Daessler, 1 James Slipper

Reserves: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway