Lukhan Salakaia-Loto Earns Wallabies Recall Amid Les Kiss’s Strategic Overhaul

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto Earns Wallabies Recall Amid Les Kiss’s Strategic Overhaul

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been reinstated to the Wallabies ahead of a high-stakes series against Japan, marking Les Kiss’s first major squad selection as the new coach. The powerful lock stands out after excelling in the Super Rugby Pacific team of the year with the Queensland Reds under Kiss’s tactical guidance.

This comeback is significant, as Salakaia-Loto had been notably absent from Joe Schmidt’s previous squads during the British and Irish Lions tour and the recent Nations Championship campaign. His recent performances for the Barbarians in the UK and a club stint in Brisbane have reignited interest in his selection for the upcoming Tests in Osaka and Townsville.

Competition remains tight for starting positions, with second-rowers Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham performing strongly in both set-piece and general play. Emerging talents Miles Amatosero and Lachlan Shaw continue to thrive, having made impactful bench appearances in recent matches.

Salakaia-Loto’s inclusion underscores Kiss’s evolution from his Schmidt-era philosophy, emphasizing new tactical priorities. Captain Harry Wilson and prop Taniela Tupou retain their spots as Kiss prepares for a grueling World Cup campaign starting next October. The former rugby league winger will address the media Thursday following his appointment, with no grace period for the experienced strategist.

Other notable inclusions include Isaac Henry (Reds), Hunter Paisami, and Josh Nasser from the Reds, alongside NSW Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea, replacing James Slipper. Carter Gordon’s recovery from a leg injury positions him to challenge Declan Meredith and Ben Donaldson for the flyhalf role. Injured stars Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper remain sidelined.

Wallabies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Miles Amatosero, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nongorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Roby Wilson, Jeremy Williams, Harry Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.

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