Les Kiss weighs Wallabies changes as Carter Gordon and Kurtley Beale enter the frame

Les Kiss says the Wallabies are considering changes for their clash with Scotland after a heavy defeat to England, with Carter Gordon and Kurtley Beale among the players who could come into the side. The coach stressed that selection decisions would be made as part of the team’s tour plans, rather than as a reaction to one result alone. Australia travelled to Edinburgh after losing 45-22 at Twickenham, their third heavy defeat in a row. Kiss acknowledged that the results point to a gap between the Wallabies and several higher-ranked teams, but said he did not want the squad to lose perspective. He told reporters he remained confident in the group and was focused on finding practical solutions. Gordon and forward Tom Hooper could both be available after narrowly missing the England match. Kiss said Gordon’s return would need to be considered, following an outing in which Declan Meredith started at No.10 and Ben Donaldson came on late. By then, the contest was already beyond Australia’s reach. The midfield could also be reshaped after Isaac Henry suffered a hamstring injury that has ended his tour. Kiss could bring Len Ikitau back alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, or consider Kurtley Beale at inside centre, with Ikitau moving wider. Beale, 37, has not started a Test since 2021. Filipo Daugunu is another option, while Kiss said the team would not call up a replacement for Henry this week. Kiss also indicated that changes could come among the forwards, including the return of Rob Valetini. He said the Wallabies had work to do, but argued that small adjustments could help the team rediscover its game. Scotland are ranked sixth in the world, one place above Australia, making the Murrayfield meeting a significant test for the squad.