Wallabies set to unleash new enforcer against Italy

Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 9:23 PM
Justin Chadwick - AAP
by Justin Chadwick - AAP
Miles Amatosero has been backed to deliver as an enforcer against Italy. Photo: Getty Images
Miles Amatosero has been backed to deliver as an enforcer against Italy. Photo: Getty Images

From raining down punches on a teammate to being on the cusp of his Wallabies debut, it's fair to say it's been a roller-coaster ride for powerhouse lock Miles Amatosero this year.

Amatosero will make his Test debut off the bench on Saturday night after being named for the Nations Championship clash with Italy in Perth.

Watch every second of the 2026 Nations Championship live and on demand via Stan Sport.

It marks a huge turnaround for the 24-year-old, who this year was suspended after fracturing the eye socket of NSW Waratahs teammate Angus Scott-Young during a training-ground fight.

Amatosero, who stands at 203cm and weighs about 125kg, expressed his regret after the incident and patched things up with Scott-Young.

A strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign followed, with Amatosero now set to don the Wallabies gold after impressing coach Joe Schmidt at training.

"He's just trained so well these last two weeks," Schmidt said.

"Part of the advantage is being six foot eight and 125 kilos. It's a dream I've had since I was a kid.

"For Miles, we're excited about what we can see there.

"I know talking to him one of his big frustrations is his little brother is bigger than him, so I don't know what size he is, but I hope he plays the game."

Schmidt has made a series of bold selection calls in his final match in charge.

Last week's debutant Declan Meredith has retained the flyhalf jersey, despite Ben Donaldson recovering from a calf injury.

And powerhouse No.7 Fraser McReight, who scored two first-half tries in the 42-26 loss to France, will be eased in off the bench against Italy to give his battered body a mini break.

Home-town hero Carlo Tizzano has replaced McReight in the starting line-up, while Harry Potter has been named on the wing after Dylan Pietsch (calf) was cut down by injury.

The world No.8 Wallabies have lost nine of their past 10 Tests, including six in a row, and the playing group are desperate to send off Schmidt and his assistant Laurie Fisher with a win.

Australia will also be aiming for a slice of revenge after losing their past two matches against world No.10 Italy.

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