Wallabies Debut Champion de Crespigny in Lions Series Opener Brisbane

Nick Champion de Crespigny will make a surprise debut for the Wallabies as blindside flanker in the opening test against the British & Irish Lions, filling in due to injuries to key players Rob Valetini and Will Skelton. The 29-year-old Canberra-raised flanker, recently playing for Castres Olympique in France before returning to play for Western Force, is one of two uncapped players in the squad. Tom Lynagh, son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, will partner with Jake Gordon in a new-look halves combination after Noah Lolesio was ruled out with a neck injury. Matt Faessler returns at hooker replacing Dave Porecki, who is recovering from a head knock, while Ben Donaldson will serve as back-up flyhalf on the bench, limiting the chance for veteran James O'Connor to play. Coach Joe Schmidt highlighted the need for rapid adaptation and improvement following their recent Fiji test win, acknowledging the challenge posed by the in-form Lions. The Wallabies will also see veteran James Slipper join Harry Wilson as captain, with several changes reflecting injuries and strategic decisions ahead of the high-stakes series opener in Brisbane.