Schmidt's Gamble: Campbell Gets Nod Over Wright for Ireland Clash
Joe Schmidt springs a selection surprise, naming Jock Campbell at fullback and blooding new forwards for the Wallabies' first Test against Ireland.
Joe Schmidt springs a selection surprise, naming Jock Campbell at fullback and blooding new forwards for the Wallabies' first Test against Ireland.
Joe Schmidt has rolled the dice on experience over reputation, selecting Jock Campbell at fullback over the returning Tom Wright for the Wallabies' crucial first Test against Ireland in Sydney. The surprise selection headlines a team sheet that sees Ryan Lonergan start at scrum-half and Harry Wilson named as captain, with debutants Josh Nasser and Josh Canham in the pack. Veteran prop James Slipper returns to the bench, while Carter Gordon and Len Ikitau are confirmed as key figures in the backline.
The move signals a clear tactical shift from Schmidt, prioritizing Campbell's recent form and solidity under the high ball against the attacking flair of Wright. Schmidt's selection gamble extends beyond the backfield, with the uncapped Ryan Lonergan getting the nod at halfback and a forward pack blending new blood with established leaders. The inclusion of debutants Josh Nasser at hooker and lock Josh Canham represents a significant investment in the future, while the experienced James Slipper provides crucial cover from the bench.
Captain Harry Wilson will lead a side determined to upset the world's second-ranked team on home soil. The decision to pair Lonergan with Carter Gordon creates an untested axis at the base of the scrum, placing immense pressure on the duo to execute with clinical precision against Ireland's disciplined defensive structure. With Len Ikitau providing physicality in the centers, the backline has the tools to punch holes, but the game will likely be won or lost at the collision point.
Schmidt has effectively banked on the mobility and aggression of his new-look pack to disrupt Irish possession, favoring work-rate over the traditional set-piece dominance Australia has relied on in the past. Handing the captaincy to Harry Wilson further underscores this aggressive intent, moving away from a reactive style to one led by brute force and ball-carrying intent. It is a calculated risk that exposes the Wallabies to Ireland's tactical suffocation if the forwards fail to gain front-foot ball, yet it demonstrates a refusal to play safe in Schmidt's first game in charge.
This approach fundamentally alters the team's identity, demanding that the new leaders impose their will physically rather than waiting for opportunities to arise. The decision to bench Tom Wright, a regular starter, in favour of Jock Campbell has dominated reaction, framing the match as a test of Schmidt's new selection philosophy. Analysts suggest the choice is a direct response to Ireland's tactical kicking game, with Campbell viewed as a safer pair of hands and a more reliable last line of defense.
The pressure is now on Campbell to validate his coach's faith in a high-stakes environment against one of the world's best teams. The inclusion of Josh Nasser at hooker injects youthful dynamism into the scrum, where Australia has often struggled for consistency against elite opposition. Nasser's ability to compete in rucks and mauls, combined with his mobility, provides Schmidt with a platform to target Ireland's set-piece weaknesses.
Meanwhile, Josh Canham's elevation to the starting XV reflects a broader shift toward forwards who can cover ground quickly and contest aerial battles—a necessity against a team that excels in both areas. This dual emphasis on pace and physicality in the pack underscores Schmidt's intent to impose a relentless tempo, forcing Ireland to defend for longer stretches and opening space elsewhere on the field. Schmidt's willingness to disrupt traditional positional hierarchies extends to the backline, where the pairing of Campbell and Ikitau is designed to counter Ireland's structured defense.
Campbell's reliability under the high ball neutralizes Ireland's aerial threats, while Ikitau's ability to break tackles and offload under pressure allows Australia to transition quickly from defense to attack. The gamble here is that this combination can withstand Ireland's physicality and still generate enough attacking rhythm to threaten their line. If successful, it sets a template for Australia's backline moving forward—one built on resilience and quick ball, rather than relying on individual brilliance.
The decision to bench Tom Wright, a regular starter, in favour of Jock Campbell has dominated reaction, framing the match as a test of Schmidt's new selection philosophy. Analysts suggest the choice is a direct response to Ireland's tactical kicking game, with Campbell viewed as a safer pair of hands and a more reliable last line of defense. The pressure is now on Campbell to validate his coach's faith in a high-stakes environment against one of the world's best teams.
What's next: The revamped Wallabies side, brimming with both fresh faces and a bold positional gamble, will run out at Accor Stadium on Saturday night. All eyes will be on Campbell's backfield performance and the new-look forward pack's ability to gain parity, as Schmidt's first major selection call is put to the ultimate test against Andy Farrell's formidable Irish squad. Read at The 42 (Ireland)
This team announcement is the first major insight into Joe Schmidt's Wallabies tenure, revealing a coach willing to make tough, form-based calls over established hierarchies. By benching Tom Wright and starting Jock Campbell and Ryan Lonergan, Schmidt is prioritizing specific tactical assets to counter Ireland's strengths. The blooding of new forwards also signals a long-term building phase, making this selection a pivotal moment for Australia's direction under their new coach. It also marks a cultural shift: Australia is no longer playing for respect by trying to match Ireland's set-piece dominance, but instead is attempting to dictate terms through sheer physicality and relentless work-rate. The gamble is that this identity will unsettle opponents who are accustomed to facing teams that play within the margins.
The 42 (Ireland)the42.ie2 Jul, 3:26en
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