Overview
- Carter Gordon starts at fly-half in Udine for his first Test since the 2023 World Cup, with Jake Gordon at scrum-half.
- Tane Edmed moves to the bench after Australia’s 25-7 loss to England, as Joe Schmidt refreshes combinations for the second tour match.
- Matt Faessler and Tom Hooper come into the starting XV, with Corey Toole preferred on the wing and Zane Nonggorr named among the reserves.
- Pete Samu returns on the bench for his first Test since 2023, while Len Ikitau is given a rest after a heavy workload.
- Schmidt says Gordon managed a minor quad issue but is ready, and he left the door open for James O’Connor to be considered for next week’s Ireland fixture; Italy’s lineup features Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh.