Ross, Amatosero to start, Henry in line for potential debut in Osaka

Forwards Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero have earned their first Test starts in Wallaby gold, selected to play Japan in Osaka on Saturday night in what is the maiden Test for new Head Coach Les Kiss.

Ross will run on at loosehead prop in what is his fourth Test in the gold jersey having made his Australian debut against the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo last year.

He will combine with club teammate and hooker Josh Nasser who returns to the group having missed the last match due to concussion protocols and the experienced Allan Alaalatoa who starts at tighthead prop for the clash at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

Having made his own Test debut in the side’s win over Italy, Amatosero will start in the second row alongside Josh Canham who created history when he became the first Wallabies lock to score a hat-trick of tries in Perth.

Reds powerhouse Hunter Paisami is the only further change to the run on side, starting at inside centre to combine with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield for what is the first Test of the 2026 Flight Centre Series.

It is a familiar loose forward trio with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight named on the sides of the scrum, while Harry Wilson will skipper the side from number eight for the 24th time - making an unchanged back row for every Test so far in 2026.

Brumbies pair Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith will start in the halves for the third consecutive Test, with continuity also across the back three in wingers Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen and fullback Tom Wright.

Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou form a powerful substitute front row, while Western Force captain Jeremy Williams is the replacement lock.

Beecroft junior Charlie Cale has been named for his first appearance in Wallaby gold since 2024, selected as the remaining forward cover.

Tate McDermott has been named for his 54th Test as the finishing scrumhalf, while Ben Donaldson provides versatility across the backline.

Kenmore Bears junior Isaac Henry rounds out the matchday 23, named for a potential Test debut, where he would become Wallaby number 999.

Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: “Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches.

“The players selected now have the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the gold jersey and we know they’ll do everything they can to earn the support of all Australians when they take to the field in Osaka on Saturday night.”

1. Aidan Ross (3 Tests) - #994; Bond University

2. Josh Nasser (13 Tests) - #979; Easts Tigers

3. Allan Alaalatoa (91 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors

4. Josh Canham (5 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club

5. Miles Amatosero (1 Test) - #998; South Coogee Red Devils

6. Rob Valetini (65 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (42 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (39 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Ryan Lonergan (8 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings

10. Declan Meredith (2 Tests) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls

11. Harry Potter (12 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams

12. Hunter Paisami (35 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (21 Tests) - #988; The Kings School

14. Max Jorgensen (23 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves

15. Tom Wright (46 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (21 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Angus Bell (53 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club

18. Taniela Tupou (70 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby

19. Jeremy Williams (28 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers

20. Charlie Cale (2 Tests) - #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club

21. Tate McDermott (53 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club

22. Ben Donaldson (21 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles

23. Isaac Henry* - uncapped; Kenmore Bears

*denotes potential Test debut

Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies 57 defeated Italy 10 on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth

Wallabies vs Japan, 8:05pm AEST on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka

Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy

Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth\

Wallabies vs New Zealand, 5:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London

Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27