Back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny has been rocketed into the captaincy role as coach Joe Schmidt makes wholesale changes for Saturday’s Test against Japan in Tokyo.
He becomes the 92nd captain of the Wallabies and the sixth different captain under Schmidt since he took over last year.
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It comes as regular captain Harry Wilson is named on the bench, with Fraser McReight one of several rested stars ahead of a bumper Spring Tour.
McReight joins Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen and Taniela Tupou on the sidelines, with John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper back with their Premiership clubs.
In the forwards, Schmidt has named a brand new front row, with Angus Bell, Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr all starting.
Carlo Tizzano joins fellow Force back-rower Champion de Crespigny as the flankers, with Rob Valetini adding major power at number eight.
It’s almost a brand new backline as Dylan Pietsch (jaw) and Andrew Kellaway (calf) return in the back three, joining Corey Toole.
Reds duo Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook reunite their club partnership in the midfield, with Tane Edmed and Jake Gordon keeping their connection from the second Bledisloe match.
Meanwhile, on the bench, prop Aidan Ross is set for his Wallabies debut after the retirement of James Slipper.
Ross will become the fifth player ever to play for the All Blacks and Wallabies after signing with the Reds in July.
He will finish the game alongside the likes of Josh Canham and Harry Wilson, with Canham set to make his first appearance in the gold jersey in 2025.
Hamish Stewart completes the backline replacements with Ryan Lonergan and Filipo Daugunu, as Carter Gordon is given another week in his return to Rugby.
“It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney, and to welcome in a couple of new faces," Schmidt said.
“The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home.”
The Wallabies are undefeated against Japan, last playing them in 2021.
It kicks-off their end-of-year tour, with the Australians set to face England, Italy, Ireland and France.
1. Angus Bell (44 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (8 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Zane Nonggorr (16 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
4. Jeremy Williams (20 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (43 Tests) – #914; Randwick
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny (c) (2 Tests) - #991; Canberra Grammar School
7. Carlo Tizzano (11 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
8. Rob Valetini (57 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
9. Jake Gordon (32 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tane Edmed (4 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors
11. Dylan Pietsch (7 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Hunter Paisami (32 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Josh Flook (5 Tests) - #972; Brothers Rugby
14. Corey Toole (4 Tests) – #992; Wagga Waratahs
15. Andrew Kellaway (45 Tests) - #943; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (16 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby
17. Aidan Ross* - uncapped; Bond University
18. Tom Robertson (36 Tests) - #898; Dubbo Kangaroos
19. Josh Canham (1 Test) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
20. Harry Wilson (31Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
21. Ryan Lonergan (2 Tests) - #933; Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Hamish Stewart (2 Tests) - #986; Toowoomba Bears
23. Filipo Daugunu (15 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs
