Champion de Crespigny Debuts as Wallabies Face Lions

Canberra Flanker Earns First Test Cap in Series Opener

Young gun Nick Champion de Crespigny is set to make his highly anticipated Test debut for the Wallabies this Saturday night in Brisbane. He takes the field against the formidable British & Irish Lions, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

A Rapid Ascent to Gold

The 22-year-old flanker, who previously played in the French Top 14, will don the number six jersey. His selection caps a rapid rise, including his recent return to Australian rugby with the Western Force ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Tom Lynagh also comes into the starting XV at flyhalf. He follows in his father Michael’s footsteps, becoming the first player to play against the Lions in the same position as his father did during the 1989 tour.

Experienced Heads and New Talent

Experienced scrumhalf Jake Gordon and hooker Matt Faessler are also named in the starting side. Faessler, a Darling Downs junior, gained valuable experience in a recent hit-out against the Lions with the Queensland Reds.

The front row features veteran James Slipper, who becomes only the second Wallaby in the professional era, alongside George Smith, to feature in consecutive Lions Series. He is joined by Allan Alaalatoa and Faessler.

Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will partner in the second row, with Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson completing the loose forward trio alongside debutant Champion de Crespigny. Wilson will captain the team.

The midfield sees Len Ikitau and rising star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii combine for the fifth time. Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen will patrol the wings, while Tom Wright starts at fullback.

Bench Strength and Coaching Outlook

Dubbo product Tom Robertson is selected as replacement tighthead prop, making his first Test appearance since 2022. He is joined on the bench by Billy Pollard and Angus Bell.

Versatile forward Tom Hooper and Western Force back-rower Carlo Tizzano provide further forward cover. Replacement halfback duties fall to Queensland captain Tate McDermott, with Ben Donaldson as the substitute playmaker.

Andrew Kellaway, a seasoned campaigner, is named at number 23 for his 40th Test appearance.

“The whole squad has worked hard as a group to prepare for what’s going to a massive challenge against an in-form Lions team. With the short runway leading up to such a big Test match, we know we must adapt fast and improve quickly, from the performance we had against Fiji recently.”

—Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Coach

The Lions have had a strong tour to date, with their closest match being a narrow victory over the NSW Waratahs. Their results highlight the significant challenge awaiting the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.

Match Details

The Wallabies face the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, July 19, at 7:45pm AEST.

Wallabies Team: 1. James Slipper, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Tom Lynagh, 11. Harry Potter, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Max Jorgensen, 15. Tom Wright.

Replacements: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tom Robertson, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Andrew Kellaway.

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Wallabies Name Squad for Lions Series

Key veterans return, uncapped players get their shot

The Wallabies have announced their 36-man squad for the upcoming British & Irish Lions series, featuring a blend of experience and fresh talent ready to face a formidable challenge on home soil.

Notable Selections

**James Slipper**, the record holder for Wallabies Test appearances with 144 caps, is set to equal **George Smith**’s achievement of representing Australia in two successive British & Irish Lions series.

**James O’Connor**, Wallaby number 832, also earns a spot, marking his second consecutive series after starting all three matches at flyhalf during the 2013 campaign.

Following an injury ruling out **Noah Lolesio** earlier in the week, **O’Connor** rejoins the squad after last playing a Test for his country in 2022. **Josh Canham**, a Queensland lock, has also been added.

Experienced scrumhalf **Nic White** has been included in the squad, while France-based **Will Skelton** earns selection, despite not having played for his country in 12 years.

A Father-Son Story in the Making

**Tom Lynagh** is on the verge of emulating his father, **Michael**, by playing against the Lions for Australia. His father wore the gold jersey during the 1989 tour.

Among the squad, only **Corey Toole**, a Brumbies speedster, and **Nick Champion de Crespigny**, a Western Force back rower, are uncapped players. The squad comprises 20 forwards and 16 backs.

The team will remain in Brisbane before the series begins next Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium, followed by matches at Melbourne’s MCG on July 26 and Sydney’s Accor Stadium on August 2.

Coach’s Perspective

Wallabies Head Coach **Joe Schmidt** stated, “As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls.”

**Schmidt** added, “We’re conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they’ll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare. We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days”.

He concluded optimistically: “We are excited by what’s to come.”

Full Squad Breakdown

Forwards (20)

**Allan Alaalatoa** (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 81 caps)

**Angus Bell** (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 36 caps)

**Josh Canham** (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 1 cap)

**Nick Champion De Crespigny** (uncapped, Canberra Grammar School, Western Force, 0 caps)

**Matt Faessler** (#969, USQ Saints, Queensland Reds, 14 caps)

**Nick Frost** (#953, Hornsby Lions, ACT Brumbies, 26 caps)

**Langi Gleeson** (#960, Harbord Harlequins, NSW Waratahs, 15 caps)

**Tom Hooper** (#964, Bathurst Bulldogs, ACT Brumbies, 11 caps)

**Fraser McReight** (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 26 caps)

**Zane Nonggorr** (#966, Gold Coast Eagles, Queensland Reds, 11 caps)

**Billy Pollard** (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 7 caps)

**David Porecki** (#952, Seaforth Raiders, NSW Waratahs, 20 caps)

**Tom Robertson** (#898, Dubbo Kangaroos, Western Force, 31 caps)

**Will Skelton** (#883, The Hills Sports High School, Stade Rochelais (France), 32 caps)

**James Slipper** (#843, Bond Pirates, ACT Brumbies, 144 caps)

**Carlo Tizzano** (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 6 caps)

**Taniela Tupou** (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), NSW Waratahs, 58 caps)

**Rob Valetini** (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 52 caps)

**Jeremy Williams** (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 11 caps)

**Harry Wilson** (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 23 caps)

Backs (16)

**Filipo Daugunu** (#931, Wests Rugby Club (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 12 caps)

**Ben Donaldson** (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 17 caps)

**Jake Gordon** (#925, Canterbury Juniors, NSW Waratahs, 29 caps)

**Len Ikitau** (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 40 caps)

**Max Jorgensen** (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 8 caps)

**Andrew Kellaway** (#943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 39 caps)

**Tom Lynagh** (#977, University of Queensland, Queensland Reds, 3 caps)

**Tate McDermott** (#936, Flinders Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 42 caps)

**James O’Connor** (#832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee, Crusaders (New Zealand), 64 caps)

**Hunter Paisami** (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 31 caps)

**Dylan Pietsch** (#978, Leeton Phantoms, Western Force, 5 caps)

**Harry Potter** (#989, Moorabbin Rams, Western Force, 3 caps)

**Joseph-Aukuso Suali** (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 5 caps)

**Corey Toole** (uncapped, Wagga Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, 0 caps)

**Nic White** (#875, Maitland Blacks, Western Force, 72 caps)

**Tom Wright** (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 38 caps)

The Wallabies squad announcement comes as anticipation builds, with ticket sales for the Brisbane Test already exceeding expectations. Suncorp Stadium is expected to be sold out, with over 50,000 fans eager to witness the opening clash of the series (Austadiums.com).