Wallabies Reshuffle Squad for Japan Clash: Paisami Starts, Henry Eyes Debut as No. 999

August 6, 2026
Wallabies Reshuffle Squad for Japan Clash: Paisami Starts, Henry Eyes Debut as No. 999
  • Hunter Paisami moves to inside centre as Len Ikitau is ruled out through injury, while Aidan Ross earns a starting role at loosehead prop in a reshaped Wallabies pack.

  • Miles Amatosero makes his first start in the second row alongside Josh Canham, with Fraser McReight returning to the starting lineup on the hangar-side of the scrum.

  • Isaac Henry is included as a potential Test debutant at number 23, which would make him Wallaby number 999 if selected.

  • Japan, guided by Eddie Jones, is expected to play at high tempo, with Australia’s coaching staff stressing preparation and balance between continuity and experimentation.

  • The Wallabies acknowledge Japan as a well-prepared, challenging opponent under Eddie Jones, and the team aims to blend stability with new adjustments.

  • The official team list details each player’s club and Test history, jersey numbers, and Test caps.

  • Kiss praises the players’ hard work over the fortnight leading to selection, with the goal of earning Australian support in Osaka.

  • The 2026 fixtures include Flight Centre Series matches against Japan, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand, along with November Nations Championship games against England, Scotland, and Wales.

  • Australia sits eighth in the world rankings, having won only two of 11 Tests, while Japan (No. 10) recently beat Italy at home.

  • The Wallabies face a disciplined Japan team, aiming to improve after recent results and leverage readiness for the World Cup cycle.

  • The squad page outlines the starting XV and replacements ahead of the World Cup, emphasizing depth and transition from the previous coaching regime.

  • In hot Osaka conditions, Kiss plans to rely on bench flexibility, with Bell, Williams, Pollard, Donaldson, and McDermott able to influence late in the game.

Summary based on 10 sources


Get a daily email with more Australia News stories

Sources

New coach overhauls Wallabies for his first Test

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Aug 6, 2026

New coach overhauls Wallabies for his first Test



Amatosero gets first start as Kiss stacks bench in first Wallabies team

More Stories