Winger Dylan Pietsch is back in Wallabies gold for the first time since his clash with Siya Kolisi in Johannesburg that left him with a broken jaw.

Pietsch headlines a new-look team to take on Japan in Tokyo on Saturday, with Nick Champion de Crespigny becoming the Wallabies’ 92nd captain.

The powerful loose forward made his Test debut against the British & Irish Lions in July and earns the armband just two caps into his international career. He forms part of a new-look loose trio with Carlo Tizzano and Rob Valetini.

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Head coach Joe Schmidt has named fresh combinations throughout his team for the Wallabies’ first Test of their end-of-year tour. Angus Bell, Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr pack down in the front row, with Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto completing the tight five.

Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed continue their halfback partnership, while Hunter Paisami links up with Josh Flook in midfield. Pietsch, Corey Toole and Andrew Kellaway round off the back three.

Former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross is in line to make his Wallabies debut off the bench, while regular captain Harry Wilson provides back-row cover. Carter Gordon has not been selected.

“It was great to get the group back together late last week in Sydney and to welcome in a couple of new faces,” Schmidt said. “The players have acclimatised well here in Tokyo, and the whole squad is conscious of the threat the Brave Blossoms pose. They play hard and fast and are very tough to beat, especially at home.”

Saturday’s Test at Japan’s National Stadium kicks off at 7:50am (SA time).

Your Wallabies to face Japan in Tokyo 😤

🆚 Japan
🗓️ Saturday 25 October | 4:50pm AEDT
📍 Japan National Stadium, Tokyo
📺 @StanSportAU #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/P9NlosrtEA

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 23, 2025

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