Nick Champion de Crespigny named Wallabies captain for Japan Test

Nick Champion de Crespigny has been named captain of the Wallabies for Saturday's Test against Japan at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, with coach Joe Schmidt making widespread changes to the starting lineup as Australia begins its end-of-year tour. The Western Force backrower, who has two Test caps, will lead a reconfigured side that kicks off a five-match tour that includes fixtures against England, Italy, Ireland and France.

Champion de Crespigny, who made his debut against the British and Irish Lions in July and last played for Australia in the defeat to South Africa two months ago, becomes the Wallabies' 92nd captain and the third player from the Western Force to skipper Australia at Test level. Schmidt rested regular captain Harry Wilson and several other senior players as part of the selection. Wilson is named among the replacements.

Schmidt named a new-look forward pack with Angus Bell starting at loosehead prop alongside Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr in the front row. The second row features Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, while Champion de Crespigny will pack down in a backrow with teammate Carlo Tizzano at openside and two-time John Eales Medallist Rob...