Tizzano to start, Amatasero in line for Wallabies debut against Italy

Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 5:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Perth-born flanker Carlo Tizzano is set for his maiden Wallabies start in 2026 against Italy. Photo: Getty Images
Perth-born flanker Carlo Tizzano is set for his maiden Wallabies start in 2026 against Italy. Photo: Getty Images

Perth-born flanker Carlo Tizzano is set for his maiden Wallabies start in 2026 against Italy in coach Joe Schmidt's farewell Test on Saturday at HBF Park.

Tizzano's elevation is one of three changes to the starting team from last week's defeat to France, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Harry Potter both named to start.

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

Paenga-Amosa and Potter come in for Josh Nasser (concussion) and Dylan Pietsch (calf contusion), with the Waratah set for his first appearance of the year.

Tizzano's last start came against Japan last year, featuring against Ireland and France off the bench to finish the year.

It's a similar story for Potter, who started every game of the Spring Tour, while Paenga-Amosa has been rewarded for his extended stint last week, playing 77 minutes after Nasser's early exit.

Meanwhile, Amatosero is in line to become Wallaby #998 and the third debutant Schmidt has picked in as many Nations Championship matches.

This includes flyhalf Declan Meredith, with Schmidt keeping the faith with the playmaker alongside club teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves.

Amatosero is among several new faces on the bench, including the returning Ben Donaldson (calf).

Zane Nonggorr and Billy Pollard will make their first appearances of 2026, with Fraser McReight set for a rare appearance as a finisher.

The Wallabies have lost their last two to Italy, but have never been defeated by the Italians on home soil.

“We've shown some encouraging signs but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match," Schmidt said.

“The challenge for us this week is to perform at a consistently high standard against a dangerous Italian side, who were hugely competitive in the Six Nations, beating both Scotland and England as well as running other teams close"

Schmidt will depart his post at the end of the Test alongside assistant coach Laurie Fisher.

Wallabies team to play Italy at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday July 18 at 6:00pm AWST 

1. Angus Bell (52 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club 

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (27 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts

3. Allan Alaalatoa (90 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors

4. Josh Canham (4 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club

5. Jeremy Williams (27 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers 

6. Rob Valetini (64 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club

7. Carlo Tizzano (14 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia

8. Harry Wilson (c) (38 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils 

9. Ryan Lonergan (7 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings

10. Declan Meredith (1 Test) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls

11. Harry Potter (11 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams

12. Len Ikitau (52 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (20 Tests) - #988; The Kings School

14. Max Jorgensen (22 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves

15. Tom Wright (45 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (20 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. James Slipper (153 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates

18. Zane Nonggorr (19 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles

19. Miles Amatosero* - uncapped; South Coogee Red Devils

20. Fraser McReight (41 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies 

21. Tate McDermott (52 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club

22. Ben Donaldson (20 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles

23. Filipo Daugunu (21 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs *denotes potential Test debut

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