Champion de Crespigny, the champion, receives the endorsement from Schmidt, a notable figure.
**Rising Star Nick Champion de Crespigny Makes Shock Debut for Wallabies Against British & Irish Lions**
In a surprising turn of events, Australian rugby union player Nick Champion de Crespigny has been selected for a shock Test debut for the Wallabies in their opening match against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 2nd, 2025.
The unexpected opportunity came about due to an injury crisis within the Wallabies squad, which saw several first-choice players ruled out. Rob Valetini, the first-choice blindside flanker, is not fully fit, and experienced lock Will Skelton is unable to play due to a calf injury. In-form back-rower Langi Gleeson also suffered a minor hamstring strain at training just before the game, opening up a spot in the back row for Champion de Crespigny.
Champion de Crespigny has had a meteoric rise in the rugby world, having started his professional career overseas in France before returning to Australia. He had a strong Super Rugby season, which impressed the coaching staff enough to trust him on such a big occasion despite his relative inexperience at Test level.
Coach Joe Schmidt selected him alongside young Queensland Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh, who was also given a significant role on the team. This marked a major shake-up in the Wallabies lineup, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii partnering in the centers, Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper as the starting props, Matt Faessler returning as the starting hooker, and Max Jorgensen on the left wing, Harry Potter on the right, and Tom Wright at fullback.
Champion de Crespigny is to pack down with skipper Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the back row, tasked with dominating the breakdown. Schmidt has expressed confidence in Champion de Crespigny's abilities, particularly his line-out options and roving scavenging skills.
Tom Lynagh has been selected to start at fly-half for the Wallabies, 36 years after his father Michael wore the same shirt during the 1989 Lions series. Jake Gordon is the preferred scrum-half for the Wallabies.
Schmidt has stated that the squad has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming challenge against the Lions, and they will need to adapt quickly and improve from their performance against Fiji to stand a chance against the formidable British & Irish team.
In light of the injury crisis within the Wallabies squad, potentially impacting players like Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, Nick Champion de Crespigny's unexpected Test debut for the Wallabies in European-leagues, namely the premier-league encounter against the British & Irish Lions, presents a unique opportunity. Champion de Crespigny, an in-form back-rower who had a strong Super Rugby season, will join other rookies Tom Lynagh and Len Ikitau, showcasing the team's emphasis on youth and promising talent in football.
