Carter Gordon starts for refreshed Wallabies against Italy

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named a rotating squad to face Italy in Udine on Saturday, with Carter Gordon set to start at eight, 17 months after he last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup.

The Wallabies made six changes to their matchday squad following their 18-point defeat against England. At Twickenham last Saturday.

Despite joining the squad in Udine, there is no place for Len Ikitau, who is likely to play against France and Ireland. Exeter clubmate Tom Hooper comes straight into the starting lineup at the breakaway at blindside, replacing Rob Valetini who starts on the bench.

Former Bordeaux mover Pete Samu has been named as a replacement for what should be his first Wallabies appearance in two years after last appearing against South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

Italy sit 10th in the world having beaten Wales in the last two Six Nations and are five points ahead of beating Ireland last March.

World Rugby statistics showed star winger Max Jorgensen carried the ball for two meters once against England, highlighting the need for the Wallabies to find more attacking opportunities against a strong Italian backline that included Louis Lynagh, son of Wallabies legend Michael.

Jorgensen was relieved that Schmidt recalled Corey Toole, who will play alongside defenseman Andrew Kellaway and Harry Potter, who retained their places.

Hunter Paisami and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are playing together in the centers for the second week in a row.