Australia flyhalf Carter Gordon will play his first test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named in the starting XV for the Autumn International series clash with Italy in Udine on Saturday.

Gordon has returned to rugby union after a short stint in rugby league and recently signed a contract with the Queensland Reds through to 2028, making him a prospect to represent Australia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

He will partner namesake scrumhalf Jake Gordon in what has been a problem position for coach Joe Schmidt in recent times due to injury and players being unavailable for selection. Tane Edmed drops to the bench for this week.

Hooker Matt Faessler will feature for the side for the first time since the British & Irish Lions series in July and packs down with props An

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