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Nearly two years after Allan Alaalatoa first captained Australia in a losing cause in Florence, the veteran prop will get a second chance on Saturday (3.45pm kickoff AEST) in a similar situation.
Alaalatoa was skipper of the Wallabies in 2022 when they lost to Italy 28-27.
He was named captain for that match to replace regular skipper James Slipper, who was rested.
Allan Alaalatoa of the Wallabies talks to teammates at AAMI Park. Getty
Fast forward to this week when Australia coach Joe Schmidt decided to rest veteran Slipper — who captained the Wallabies last week in their second consecutive win over Wales — and replace him with the 30-year-old, Sydney-born Alaalatoa for Australia's Test against Georgia in his hometown.
He's the third captain in three weeks for Australia.
Liam Wright suffered a shoulder injury in his first match as captain in the first Test against Wales and was replaced by Slipper last week.
"To be able to captain Australia in my home town, to have that armband on, will be very special," Alaalatoa said.
"I have a lot of family coming out, my parents can't wait."
In addition to Alaalatoa being named captain, Reds backrower Harry Wilson was recalled for the first time since 2022 and a sevens player was given a debut among 10 changes to the Australian side.
Harry Wilson of the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Getty Images for Rugby Australia
Schmidt continued to rotate through his squad when he announced the 23 for his third Test in charge, explaining that it's all in preparation for his Rugby Championship kickoff next month against world champions South Africa.
Wilson will start at No.8 in a backrow also featuring Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini, the only two forwards retained in the starting pack.
"You've got to keep growing your depth," Schmidt said.
Joe Schmidt talks to James Slipper of the Wallabies. Getty
"We've got a very short term focus, long term view. It's a paradox you almost have to employ so that you best vaccinate against future injury or future changes or form."
Alex Hodgman, a 31-year-old Reds prop who played four Tests for the All Blacks in 2020, is listed as a reserve.
He qualifies for a switch on residency and family grounds and if he makes it into Saturday's match, he'd become the fourth player to represent both Australia and New Zealand, and the first in 50 years.
Alex Hodgman of the Wallabies passes the ball at Lakeside Stadium. Getty
Georgia has never played a Test match in Australia.
The Wallabies have won the only two previous encounters at Rugby World Cups, including a 35-15 win in Paris last year.
Georgia had wins over Wales and Italy in 2022 and is coming off an upset 25-23 win last weekend over Japan, a week after a 21-12 loss to Fiji.
Georgia coach Richard Cockerill at Avchala Rugby Stadium in Tbilisi. Getty
Richard Cockerill, who played for England and was an interim coach last year, has been working with Georgia since January.
He has a big forward pack that excels at the set piece and will take on the Wallabies weakness: the driving maul.
"We know that Georgia is a bloody good team, a quality team, beating Japan like they did," Alaalatoa said.
"We are going to be in for a physical game for sure."
