Carter Gordon returns for Wallabies, but Joe Schmidt opts to rest backline stars against Italy

The returning NRL convert will wear the No.10 jersey he last donned at the 2023 World Cup, after which he quit rugby to join NRL club Gold Coast Titans before returning a few weeks ago.

But Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has opted not to pick backline superstars Len Ikitau and Max Jorgensen, despite the lacklustre attacking performances in their past three Tests.

Gordon will partner Jake Gordon in the halves, while Hunter Paisami and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii retain their midfield partnership, and Corey Toole replaces Jorgensen on the wing.

In the forwards, Rob Valetini has been pushed to the bench in favour of Tom Hooper, who has returned from English club Exeter to join the squad.

Tane Edmed also drops to the bench to accommodate Gordon, who was still contracted to the Titans until last month, when Rugby Australia paid a $100,000 release fee for the playmaker.

The 24-year-old steers the side for the first time since the Wallabies crashed out of the 2023 World Cup in France in the pool stages under Eddie Jones.

He will be tasked with inspiring an attack that has failed to fire in successive games against the All Blacks, Japan and England.

“The group have rolled up their sleeves and had a solid week of preparation after dusting themselves off from what was a frustrating performance last weekend,” Schmidt said.

“We know we’ll need to be better on Saturday against the Azzurri. They’ll be well prepared and confident after their highly competitive showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.”

Meanwhile, Matt Faessler will play for the first time since the British & Irish Lions Series, having fully recovered from a calf injury, named to start at hooker alongside run on props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou.

Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams will continue to build on their second row partnership at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.

Hooper has been recalled to the side at blindside flanker, where he will re-establish a loose forward trio with openside flanker Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson.

Toole has been selected on the right edge, with last weekend’s try scorer Harry Potter retained on the left wing. Andrew Kellaway starts at fullback for the third straight Test.

Billy Pollard shifts to the bench as the replacement hooker, with Aidan Ross selected for his second Wallabies Test as the substitute loosehead prop. His Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr is the replacement tighthead.

Two-time John Eales Medallist Valetini is on the bench alongside Pete Samu, who has earned selection in what will be his first Test since 2023.

Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will back up Jake Gordon at hgalfback.

Filipo Daugunu fills the utility back position on the bench.