Wallabies Recall Skelton Gordon for Sold-Out Perth Rugby Championship Test

The Wallabies have named a strong lineup for their final home Test of 2025, the deciding round of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand at Optus Stadium in Perth, with five changes from their last match. Key returns include towering lock Will Skelton, who missed the previous two Tests due to club commitments in France but now rejoins the team alongside scrumhalf Jake Gordon and back-from-injury loose forward Rob Valetini. The squad features an all-Brumbies front row with Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop and James Slipper at loosehead prop, who is set to make his 151st and final Wallabies appearance. The backline adjustments see Filipo Daugunu earn his first start of the year on the left wing, partnering with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen in the back three, while Tane Edmed and Jack Gordon form the halves pairing. Despite losing the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park last weekend, the team aims to end the Rugby Championship on a high note, with coach Joe Schmidt emphasizing their resilience and the strong support from fans. Skelton expressed his commitment to making Australians proud and converting past disappointments into a winning effort in the tournament's final match.