Overview
- Carter Gordon returns for his first Test since the 2023 World Cup after a brief NRL stint and an early switch back to rugby with a new deal at the Queensland Reds.
- Tane Edmed moves to the bench as Joe Schmidt makes six changes, recalling Matt Faessler, Tom Hooper, Corey Toole, Pete Samu and Zane Nonggorr.
- Schmidt said Gordon has "grown in confidence" and emphasised that fly-half is the fulcrum role that "runs the show" for the team.
- The coach kept veteran James O’Connor in consideration for later on tour, saying he could be involved against Ireland next week.
- The Italy match in Udine follows a 25-7 defeat to England and is framed as important to Australia’s push from seventh toward a top-six world ranking, with kickoff on Saturday evening local time.