The 2024 Rugby Championship kicks-off this weekend and there will be interest in the tournament for Warren Gatland and his coaching team given they will face two of the teams, Australia and South Africa, in the Autumn Nations Series later this year.
WALES AUTUMN NATIONS SERIES – PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
Sunday 10 November
WALES V FIJI – KO 1:40PM
Sunday 17 November
WALES V AUSTRALIA – KO 4:10PM
Saturday 23 November
WALES V SOUTH AFRICA – KO 4:40PM
Tickets Available HERE
Joe Schmidt’s new look Wallabies have already kicked-off their international season with three wins – back-to-back wins over Wales and then a victory over Georgia – and face the world champion Springboks on successive weekend’s on home soil in the opening two rounds of the Rugby Championship.
The first game will be at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Saturday 10 August, with the second game set for Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday 17 August. It is the next phase of their 2024 rugby calendar that will see them play 13 Tests.
Schmidt has selected only nine of the starting XV that wrapped up the series against Wales with the 36-28 win over Wales in Sydney last month. There are a few more familiar faces, such as the 136 times capped James Slipper, on the bench.
But the one new cap will be West Australian junior Carlo Tizzano in the back row. He will start at openside flanker in place of the injured Fraser McVeight, who was so effective against Wales, and Liam Wright.
“There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on,” said Schmidt.
“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”
The call up for the 24-year-old Tizzano caught many by surprise. He was only drafted into the squad last week.
“I definitely didn’t expect it, that’s for sure. I’ve been enjoying my time with University of Western Australia but I had to call Greg Holmes, the head coach, and let him know I won’t be able to play this weekend as I’ve got another job to do,” Tizzano told his Western Force media team.
“I was just in the ice bath and got an email sent through just saying ‘Wallabies selection letter’… I couldn’t believe it to be fair.
“It’s every Australian rugby kid’s dream to wear the Wallabies jersey, and the opportunity to potentially play against the world champs, the two-time (defending) world champs, will be awesome.”
The flanker was one of the Force’s most consistent players and was at the forefront of their stunning upset against the Reds in Perth in March. Described as ‘a hard-nosed, feisty back-rower’, Tizzano has never shies away from confrontation and will have his hands full playing against.
Australia (v South Africa): Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Isaac Kailea, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson
Reps: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch
