New Australia coach Kiss gives Japan starts to Ross, Amatosero

Les Kiss warned Thursday the Wallabies will need to be on their toes against Japan this weekend as he named a "pretty powerful" first team since taking over from Joe Schmidt as Australia coach.

Australia face Eddie Jones's Japan in sweltering Osaka on Saturday with former Queensland Reds coach Kiss having just 14 months before the World Cup on home soil to mould his side into serious contenders.

Under Schmidt, the Wallabies won just 12 of 31 Tests.

Kiss made nine changes to the 23-strong squad from their 57-10 thumping of Italy in Perth last month as he looks to stamp his mark, including handing lock Miles Amatosero and prop Aidan Ross their first starts.

Fraser McReight returns as flanker in place of Carlo Tizzano, while hooker Josh Nasser is back in the starting team after missing the Italy clash with concussion.

The only change in the matchday backline sees the recall of Hunter Paisami for the first time this season in place of injured inside centre Len Ikitau.

"Every single player in the squad has pushed hard over the last fortnight to get us to this point, making selecting the matchday 23 a real challenge for the coaches," said Kiss.

Ross, who played a single game for New Zealand in 2022, will start at loosehead prop in his fourth Test in place of Angus Bell.

He will combine with Nasser and Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop.

Amatosero replaces the benched Jeremy Williams in the second row alongside Josh Canham, who scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy.

Kiss said his first team was about continuity but also building depth in certain positions, while ensuring he had experience on the bench led by Bell, Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermott for a strong finish.

"A little bit of horses for courses, just to make sure that we know we could finish, guys with experience that can come out and put some energy and finishing power into our game," he said.

"But at the same time, I think we start with a pretty powerful team as well.

"(Japan) are a fast, physical, dynamic team, pretty fit as well. So we're going to have to be on our toes right through to the end."

Versatile centre Isaac Henry could make his debut from the bench while Charlie Cale was named as a substitute for his first appearance since 2024 as forward cover.

Australia (15-1):

Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Miles Amatosero, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry