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Ikitau returns as Australia move Suaalii to wing

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In short

The Wallabies made four starting changes for Sunday's Nations Championship match at Twickenham, captained by number eight Harry Wilson. Len Ikitau cleared concussion protocols to reclaim his spot, shifting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the wing. Meanwhile, veteran utility back Kurtley Beale was left out of the 23-man matchday squad entirely despite his surprise inclusion on the tour.

Key points

  • Openside flanker Fraser McReight will celebrate his 50th test cap while Rob Valetini drop…: Openside flanker Fraser McReight will celebrate his 50th test cap while Rob Valetini drops to the bench.
  • Jeremy Williams moves to blindside flanker, allowing Josh Canham to start in the second r…: Jeremy Williams moves to blindside flanker, allowing Josh Canham to start in the second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
  • Kurtley Beale failed to make the final matchday squad despite traveling on the month-long…: Kurtley Beale failed to make the final matchday squad despite traveling on the month-long tour of Britain.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

LONDON, Nov 6 : Australia have restored Len Ikitau to their team and shifted the dangerous Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii out onto the wing in one of four changes for Sunday's Nations Championship clash against England at Twickenham.

• Suaalii played at centre in the Wallabies' last outing against New Zealand in Sydney last month but is on the right wing for Sunday's test with Ikitau back after missing the Bledisloe Cup clash after following concussion protocols

• Fraser McReight will earn his 50th cap and start at openside flank, with Rob Valetini dropped to the bench and Jeremy Williams being switched from lock to blindside flanker

• Josh Canham, who was a replacement in the 43-21 loss to the All Blacks on October 17, will start at lock alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

• The two changes in the front row have Angus Bell back as starting loosehead prop alongside hooker Billy Pollard, with Josh Nasser and Aidan Ross dropped from the starting lineup

• There is no place in the matchday squad for 37-year-old utility back Kurtley Beale, who last played test…

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