Arizona Tribune - 'Exciting prospect' Gordon recalled by Australia coach Schmidt

Gordon is line for just his 10th Test appearance as he replaces James O'Connor from last weekend's defeat to Ireland.

The 24-year-old suffered a quad problem in the loss to Italy on November 8, in his first rugby union Test since September 2023.

"He's an exciting prospect," Schmidt told reporters of a player who started two of Australia's four matches during their disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign, before switching to rugby league.

"I'm hoping it (the thigh problem) won't be an issue. I hope he can do a full spectrum of skills expected of him," Schmidt added.

Gordon was only rushed back from the NRL in October and straight into the Australia squad to tour Japan and Europe.

Schmidt's Wallabies are looking to avoid a 10th loss of 2025 on Saturday, which would be their largest ever number of defeats in a calendar year.

They area also staring down the barrel of a first winless European tour since 1958 after being humbled by England, Italy and Ireland.

Schmidt will leave the head coach role in July with the Reds' Les Kiss coming in, a little over a year before the Wallabies host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

"They (the players) wouldn't be aware of all the statistics because what has happened historically, we can't control that," former Ireland coach Schmdit said.

"It's not going to add value to what we do in the very near future," the 60-year-old added.

In the other changes, winger Dylan Pietsch replaces Filipo Daugunu and lock Nick Frost is in for Rob Valetini.

In the front row, tight-head prop Taniela Tupou takes the place of Allan Alaalatoa while hooker Billy Pollard stands in for Matt Faessler.

Tupou starts the game just a matter of weeks before a big-money move to Parisian club Racing 92.

Loose-head prop Angus Bell and inside centre Len Ikitau are set to win their 50th Test caps.

Scrum-half Kalani Thomas is set for his international debut off the bench, aged 23.

Australia (15-1)

Max Jorgensen; Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch; Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams; Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Angus Bell

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Tane Edmed, Filipo Daugunu

A.Ruiz--AT