Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named flyhalf Carter Gordon for his Rugby return against Italy on Sunday (AEDT) in Udine.
Gordon will start in the gold jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup and his first game in the sport since June 2024.
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The new Queensland Reds signing will add to his eight caps after bursting onto the scene, debuting against the Springboks.
It’s one of two changes to the starting backline, with Corey Toole coming back in for the rested Max Jorgensen.
Toole comes in for his first Test in Europe, with the impressive Harry Potter and Andrew Kellaway retaining their spots in the back three.
Schmidt has also named Pete Samu for his return to the Test arena, his first appearance since the 2023 Rugby Championship.
New Waratahs signing Samu is joined on the bench by two-time John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini, allowing Tom Hooper to start.
Hooper rejoined the squad at the start of the week after missing the games against Japan and England after he joined Premiership club Exeter.
Club teammate and reigning John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau will wait another week before being reintroduced into the side, as Schmidt maintains the midfield combination of Hunter Paisami and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Further changes see the return of hooker Matt Faessler after he impressed for Australia A last month.
Faessler partners Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou, his first appearance since the British & Irish Lions tour, after dealing with injuries throughout the Rugby Championship.
On the bench, Aidan Ross and Zane Nonggorr have been added to the forward replacements alongside Billy Pollard.
Ross debuted for the Wallabies against Japan, with Nonggorr making his starting debut during that game.
The Wallabies are looking to rebound after their previous defeat to Italy in 2022, ending an 18-game winning streak.
“The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend," Schmidt said.
“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They'll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year."
1. Angus Bell (47 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Matt Faessler (15 Tests) - #969; USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (66 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (35 Tests) - #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (22 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Tom Hooper (19 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (36 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (33 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (34 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Carter Gordon (8 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Harry Potter (8 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (34 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (15 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Corey Toole (5 Tests) - #992; Wagga Crows
15. Andrew Kellaway (47 Tests) - #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (18 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Aidan Ross (1 Test) - #994; Bond University
18. Zane Nonggorr (17 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Rob Valetini (59 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Pete Samu (33 Tests) - #920; Moorabbin Rams
21. Ryan Lonergan (3 Tests) - #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Tane Edmed (6 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors
23. Filipo Daugunu (17 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs
