Wallabies hand Harry Potter debut and recall Suaalii for Scotland Test
Joe Schmidt has made six changes to the Australian side
©Steve Haag
The Wallabies have introduced a touch of magic to their lineup, handing a debut to winger Harry Potter for their clash against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also returns to the starting lineup as the Wallabies continue their British Isles grand slam bid.
Harry Potter, the 26-year-old winger born in England, will don the Wallabies jersey for the first time, becoming Wallaby No. 989. Known for his versatility and a standout stint with Leicester, where he helped the team secure a Premiership title, Potter replaces Max Jorgensen, who moves to the bench.
Suaalii, the cross-code sensation, is set for his toughest test yet at outside centre. Following a stellar man-of-the-match debut against England, Suaalii starts at No. 13, paired with Len Ikitau, who shifts to the No. 12 shirt.
Coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to the side that secured a dominant victory over Wales. Jake Gordon returns at scrum-half after recovering from a head injury, while Harry Wilson reclaims the No. 8 jersey and the captaincy.
Carlo Tizzano starts at openside flanker, with Rob Valetini moving to blindside. Jeremy Williams also returns to the second row.
Melbourne’s Isaac Kailea is set to make his tour debut as the substitute loosehead prop, supported by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Zane Nonggorr on the bench.
The Wallabies face a cohesive and battle-hardened Scotland side, with coach Schmidt highlighting the week's challenges. “The freezing conditions ruled out training fields, but the group has adapted well,” said Schmidt.
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
Reserves: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 ?Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen
