Nick Champion de Crespigny will make his Test debut on Saturday when the Wallabies take on the British & Irish Lions in the opening match of their three-Test series in Brisbane.

The loose forward, who played club rugby in France before returning to Australia with the Western Force, has been named to start at blindside flank in a back row that includes Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson.

Flyhalf Tom Lynagh will become the first Australian to face the Lions like his father did, with the 22-year-old handed the No 10 jersey worn by Michael Lynagh in 1989. Jake Gordon returns at scrumhalf, forming an all-new halfback pairing.

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In the pack, Test veterans James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa pack down either side of hooker Matt Faessler, while Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams continue their second-row partnership.

Tom Wright starts at fullback, flanked by Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau again in midfield.

On the bench, prop Tom Robertson is in line for his first Test appearance since 2022, while Carlo Tizzano and Tom Hooper provide loose forward cover. Andrew Kellaway is set for his 40th Test in the No 23 jersey.

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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “We know we must adapt fast and improve quickly from the performance we had against Fiji. We’re conscious of earning the public’s support through the effort they see on the field.”

WALLABIES — 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 James Slipper
Bench: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway

Your 23 to take on The Lions 🦘

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— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 17, 2025

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