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Regular skipper Harry Wilson is part of the 23-man squad, but will start on the bench, with Schmidt having a selection eye on the following weekend’s Test against England in London. Stars not in the 23 for the battle with the Eddie Jones-coached Japan include flanker Fraser McReight, props Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou, centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and winger Max Jorgensen. “We have already had 10 Test matches (this year) … there is a degree of fatigue,” Schmidt said. “We only had a nine-day break after the Rugby Championship before we came together to get ready to travel here. “I think it’s just around energy management as much as anything. Part of the job of the coaching staff is to manage risk as best we can. “If we don’t give opportunity to the squad, then I think we start to lose that energy toward the end of a five-Test (spring Tour) window.” Also missing from the Saturday’s squad is flyhalf Carter Gordon, who was named in Australia’s touring party after returning to rugby union following a short stint with NRL club Gold Coast. Despite Saturday’s starting team including a host of more experienced players, including halfback Jake Gordon, back-rower Rob Valetini, prop Angus Bell and fullback Andrew Kellaway, Champion de Crespigny got the captaincy nod and will become the Wallabies’ 92nd skipper. “Nick has been with us consistently week-to-week … he’s part of our leadership team, and he’ll be well supported by (locks) Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will be looking after the lineout,” Schmidt said. “It’s more around where they sit in the group, and if they’re part of the leadership group, then it does dovetail into leading the team on a Test weekend more than just appointing someone from outside the leadership group.” The squad also includes a potential debutant in prop Aidan Ross, who will become just the fifth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand in Test rugby if he gets game time off the bench. Wallabies: Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Corey Toole, Andrew Kellaway. Bench: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Josh Canham, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu.
