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McReight benched as Australia make three changes for Italy showdown / Photo: © AFP
McReight benched as Australia make three changes for Italy showdown
Joe Schmidt kept faith with rookie flyhalf Declan Meredith Thursday but benched star flanker Fraser McReight for the Nations Championship clash with Italy in what will be the Australia coach's last Test in charge.
Meredith had a mixed showing on his debut last week during their horror 42-26 capitulation to France in Brisbane after leading 21-12 at half-time.
Schmidt pinpointed inexperience in the Wallabies' halves as part of the problem when France seized momentum, but has nevertheless stuck with Meredith.
With a fit-again Ben Donaldson on the bench as flyhalf cover, Jock Campbell -- who played his first Test in four years against Ireland and came on as a substitute against France -- was dropped from the squad altogether.
Schmidt's other big call was leaving McReight on the sidelines despite the Queensland Reds' star being immense in Brisbane.
Western Force's Carlo Tizzano will instead start in front of his home crowd with McReight set to add late firepower after Australia conceded 30 unanswered points to France in the second half.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who played 77 minutes last weekend after starting hooker Josh Nasser copped a head knock, has kept the number two jersey.
In the only other change, Harry Potter starts on the left wing with Dylan Pietsch struggling from a calf injury.
Australia desperately need a win after just one in the last 10 games and six losses on the trot.
Schmidt will hand over to Les Kiss after the game, ending a disappointing tenure that has so far seen just 11 wins from his 30 Tests in charge since assuming control from Eddie Jones.
"We've shown some encouraging signs, but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match," said Schmidt.
"The challenge for us this week is to perform at a consistently high standard against a dangerous Italian side, who were hugely competitive in the Six Nations, beating both Scotland and England as well as running other teams close."
Australia (15-1)
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
G.Allen--SFF
