Tane Edmed will again guide the Wallabies in the fly-half role against England, as Gordon's much-anticipated return to test rugby has been postponed.
The eight-Test fly-half, who previously played for Australia at the most recent Rugby World Cup before shock move to league by signing with the Titans, has now been released from his NRL deal to link up with the Australian on tour.
However, Gordon is reportedly continuing to battle a quad strain sustained during practice recently and will not feature from the squad aiming to secure consecutive wins against the English at Twickenham Stadium for the first time in over a decade and a half.
Wallabies Face Player Availability Challenges
Australia is undermanned, hindered by the inability to choose important overseas-based stars including the English-based award winner Len Ikitau, Hooper, and James O'Connor, whereas the hosts boast full strength.
That has prompted criticism that the Wallabies's effort to climb the World Rugby rankings before the upcoming draw for the hosted 2027 World Cup has been negatively affected, as the English can field each of their Premiership-based squad members.
Head Coach Joe Schmidt Stays Confident
However, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, coming off leading a gritty win against the Japanese team with a largely second-string squad, remains confident he has a winning side at his disposal, with several key players back to the lineup.
"We have tried to manage this season's demanding schedule in terms of Test matches and travel commitments, so it was great to rest a few squad members up last week and we trust that enables the team to be really strong on Saturday," said Schmidt.
Wallabies Lineup to Face England
- Kellaway; Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Paisami, Potter;
- Edmed, J Gordon;
- Bell, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Williams,
- Valetini, Fraser McReight, Wilson (capt).
- Replacements: Nasser, Zane Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Champion de Crespigny, Lonergan, James Stewart, Daugunu.
Notable Comebacks and Partnerships
Prop Taniela Tupou is returning in the starting side for the first occasion after the first Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland, and skipper Wilson takes the No 8 shirt once more, making up a familiar strong loose forward trio with Rob Valetini and McReight.
Waratahs clubmates Gordon and Edmed start in the halves for the third straight Test, and Hunter Paisami will link up in midfield with Suaalii, back to the venue of his impressive union debut last year.
Max Jorgensen, the late match-winner that occasion with his winning try, features again, while Potter is called upon to contribute his spark on the opposite wing position.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has bounced back from a rib complaint and will provide cover at lock, while Champion de Crespigny, the leader against Japan, is included as a loose forward reserve.
