Australia have selected Jock Campbell to start at fullback as the Wallabies face Ireland in their Nations Championship opener in Sydney. Multiple reports say Campbell is returning to Test rugby after a long absence of nearly four years, with one outlet describing a 1,316-day spell out of the international team. He last played Test rugby in late 2022, with Australia’s most recent appearance in his prior run coming during the four-match period that included Australia’s first-ever loss to Italy in Florence.
The reports also describe changes to Australia’s back line and selected personnel. Campbell will work with Max Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch in a revamped back three, while Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon are named to start in the halves. Yahoo Sports and other outlets add that the match is expected to be played at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.
Separate coverage notes that James Slipper is out of retirement to replace a loosehead prop, indicating additional adjustments to Australia’s forward pack for the fixture.
