Edmed is set to again guide the Australian national team from the playmaker role when they face the English side, while Carter Gordon's eagerly awaited return to international rugby union is on hold.
The eight-Test fly-half, that previously played for Australia at the last Rugby World Cup before shock move to rugby league to sign with the Titans, has secured a release from his NRL contract to link up with the Wallabies during their tour.
However, the 24-year-old is reportedly still struggle with a quad strain sustained in training last week and will not feature from the squad looking to secure consecutive wins against the English at Twickenham for the first occasion in over a decade and a half.
Australia Confront Player Availability Challenges
The Australian side is undermanned, hindered by the restriction to choose key foreign-based stars including the English-based Player of the Year Ikitau, Tom Hooper, and O'Connor, whereas the hosts boast a full-strength lineup.
That has prompted criticism that the Australian team's bid to climb the global rankings before the upcoming pool draw for the hosted 2027 Rugby World Cup has been unfairly impacted, since the English are able to select each of their Premiership-based squad members.
Head Coach Joe Schmidt Remains Confident
But, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, fresh from leading a gritty win over Japan with a mostly backup squad, remains optimistic he has a winning team available, with several star players returning to the lineup.
"The coaches have sought to balance this year's demanding fixture list in terms of international games and travel, so it was beneficial to rest a few players up last week and we hope that enables the group to be really competitive on the weekend," said Schmidt.
Wallabies Team to Face the English
- Kellaway; Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter;
- Edmed, Jake Gordon;
- Angus Bell, Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Darcy Williams,
- Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).
- Reserves: Nasser, Robertson, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Ryan Lonergan, Stewart, Daugunu.
Notable Comebacks and Partnerships
Tighthead prop Tupou is returning in the run-on team for the first occasion after the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland, and captain Harry Wilson wears the No 8 shirt once more, forming a well-known strong back row with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight.
NSW Waratahs clubmates Gordon and Tane Edmed are named in the half-back positions for the third straight Test, and Paisami will link up in midfield with Suaalii, back to the scene of his remarkable first rugby union appearance the previous season.
Jorgensen, the last-gasp match-winner that occasion with his decisive try, features again, and Potter is called upon to provide his bit of magic on the opposite wing position.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has bounced back from a rib injury and will be available at lock, while Nick Champion de Crespigny, the leader versus Japan, is named as a loose forward replacement.
