Edmed set for debut as Wallabies recall stars for Ireland Test

Thu, Nov 28, 2024, 2:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies face Scotland at Murrayfield in their third game of the 2024 Spring Tour

The Wallabies are set for their 19th debutant of 2024 with Tane Edmed named on the bench for Sunday's (AEDT) Test with Ireland.

Edmed would become Wallaby #990 if he was to come onto the field, joined in the reserves by last week's debutant Harry Potter and Tate McDermott.

Watch every game of the Wallabies Spring Tour live and exclusive on Stan Sport.

Coach Joe Schmidt has named several changes to the side that went down to Scotland last week, including a fresh starting prop pairing of James Slipper and Taniela Tupou.

Tupou has missed the past two games with a knee injury whilst Slipper's return sees Angus Bell revert to the bench.

Jeremy Williams returns from illness to partner Nick Frost in the second row after his late withdrawal.

Williams' inclusion comes at an ideal timing as Will Skelton returns to La Rochelle with the game outside the Test window.

Flanker Fraser McReight has been named at blindside flanker, reuniting his partnership with captain Harry Wilson and Rob Valetini.

Valetini is one of three Wallabies to play all 13 Tests in 2024, joined by Allan Alaalatoa and Andrew Kellaway.

In the backs, Max Jorgensen replaces Potter on the wing, whilst Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has shrugged off a shoulder complaint to start in the centres.

It will be a significant night in Dublin for a number of reasons as Schmidt faces off with his old side for the first time as head coach.

On top of this, Ireland Rugby is celebrating its 150th anniversary, with the Australians out to spoil the occasion.

“It’s been a challenging year where we have grown a bit as a squad, and we have an opportunity to challenge ourselves again against what is a settled and cohesive Ireland team," Schmidt said in a statement.

“It’s going to be a big occasion at the Aviva with the 150th anniversary celebrations so I hope those in attendance get to enjoy a really good spectacle.”

Wallabies team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday November 30 at 3:10pm GMT/2:10am AEDT (Sunday)

1. James Slipper (142 Tests) – Bond Pirates

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (19 Tests) – Southern Districts

3. Taniela Tupou (57 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (24 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (9 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (51 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (24 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (21 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (28 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (28 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Max Jorgensen (6 Tests) – Balmain Wolves

12. Len Ikitau (38 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (3 Tests) – The Kings School

14. Andrew Kellaway (38 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (36 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (5 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Angus Bell (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

18. Allan Alaalatoa (79 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (40 Tests) - Randwick

20. Langi Gleeson (13 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins

21. Tate McDermott (40 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Tane Edmed* - West Harbour Juniors

23. Harry Potter (1 Test) - Moorabbin Rams

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