Overview
- Joe Schmidt confirmed 13 changes to the starting XV and called the selection a calculated risk to manage workloads and assess depth across a five-Test tour.
- Nick Champion de Crespigny will captain in only his third Test, saying the call was a surprise as teammates and coaches emphasized shared leadership support.
- Eddie Jones named a robust Japan side featuring the recall of Michael Leitch and said, “I enjoy beating Australia,” citing a 9-from-10 record against them with England.
- Defeat in Tokyo would drop Australia to eighth in the world rankings, raising seeding stakes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup later this year.
- Tour context looms large for Schmidt’s record and succession to Les Kiss, with squad notes including Harry Wilson on the bench, Carter Gordon left out, and dual-eligible Aidan Ross among the reserves.