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Australia has named Tane Edmed at fly-half for their clash against England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Taniela Tupou returning to the starting XV following last weekend’s 19-15 win over Japan.

However, the Wallabies will be without several European-based stars, including fly-half James O’Connor, lock Will Skelton, and centre Len Ikitau, due to the fixture falling outside the official international window. Edmed, who has only three Test starts under his belt, faces a stern test against England’s experienced George Ford.

Carter Gordon, who recently rejoined rugby union from the NRL, was initially considered for selection but is reportedly nursing a quad strain and misses out. Hamish Stewart will provide fly-half cover from the bench.

Suaalii, the former rugby league sensation, impressed in Australia’s dramatic 42-37 victory over England at Twickenham last season and rejoins the backline alongside Hunter Paisami, who replaces the unavailable Ikitau. Tupou, the 23-stone prop nicknamed the "Tongan Thor," returns to the front row after last featuring in the Wallabies’ loss to New Zealand in September.

Regular captain Harry Wilson resumes his role at number eight, partnering Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight in a formidable back row. Last week’s skipper Nick Champion de Crespigny is listed among the replacements.

Australia, ranked seventh in the world, finished third in the Rugby Championship and will also face Italy, Ireland, and France this autumn. Head coach Joe Schmidt highlighted the need to balance the squad’s workload amid a packed schedule.

"The coaches have tried to balance this year’s tough schedule in terms of Test matches and travel," Schmidt said. "It was great to freshen a few players up last weekend, and we hope that allows the group to be really competitive on Saturday."

Australia Starting XV:

  • Kellaway; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Paisami, Potter;
  • Edmed, Gordon;
  • Bell, Pollard, Tupou, Frost, Williams, Valetini, McReight, Wilson (capt).

Replacements:

  • Nasser, Robertson, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Champion de Crespigny, Lonergan, Stewart, Daugunu.

England, meanwhile, has named George Ford at fly-half and Will Freeman at centre, setting up an exciting encounter at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Tags:

#England rugby #Wallabies #Tane Edmed #** Australia Rugby #Rugby Autumn Internationals **