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.
