Tizzano earns Wallabies debut against Springboks in Brisbane

West Australian junior Carlo Tizzano will make his Test debut for the Wallabies in their Flight Centre Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Tizzano will start at openside flanker in the sold-out Test, joining Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson in the backrow at Suncorp Stadium against the Rugby World Cup winning Springboks.

Allan Alaalatoa will again captain the side as the starting tighthead prop, combining with hooker Matt Faessler and the 24-year-old Isaac Kailea in the front row.

Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will start in the second row, while Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio have been recalled as the run-on halves pairing.

Queensland’s Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau will continue their partnership in the midfield at inside and outside centre respectively.

Tom Wright earns his fourth consecutive start at fullback with Filipo Daugunu and Andrew Kellaway named on the wings, to form a familiar back three so far in 2024.

Easts Tigers junior Josh Nasser will play his first Test in front of his home crowd, joined by Test centurion James Slipper and Gold Coast product Zane Nonggorr in the substitute front row.

Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams will provide versatility across the forward cover, while the Brumbies’ Luke Reimer is in line for a potential Test debut via the pine.

Queensland pair Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will be in familiar territory on their home turf as the replacement scrumhalf and flyhalf, with Dylan Pietsch finalising the match day 23.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on.”

“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”

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1. Isaac Kailea (3 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

2. Matt Faessler (7 Tests) – USQ Saints

3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (70 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors

4. Nick Frost (16 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (32 Tests) – Randwick

6. Rob Valetini (42 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Carlo Tizzano* - University of Western Australia

8. Harry Wilson (13 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (22 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (20 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

11. Filipo Daugunu (10 Tests) – Wests Bulldogs

12. Hunter Paisami (27 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (29 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Andrew Kellaway (29 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

15. Tom Wright (28 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Josh Nasser (2 Tests) - Easts Tigers

17. James Slipper (136 Tests) – Bond Pirates

18. Zane Nonggorr (6 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles

19. Jeremy Williams (3 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

20. Luke Reimer* - Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

21. Tate McDermott (31 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club

22. Tom Lynagh (1 Test) – University of Queensland

23. Dylan Pietsch (1 Test) – Leeton Phantoms

*denotes uncapped

Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne

Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v South Africa, 2:30pm AEST, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies v South Africa, 5:45pm AWST, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Wallabies v Argentina, 8:00 am AEST, Sunday September 1 at Estadio Uno, La Plata

Wallabies v Argentina, 5:00 am AEST, Sunday September 8 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe

Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand, 5:05pm AEST, Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington

Wallabies v England, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday November 10, Twickenham, London

Wallabies v Wales, 3:10am AEDT, Monday November 18, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wallabies v Scotland, 12:40am AEDT, Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin