Departing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is taking chances near the end of his tenure by retaining Declan Meredith at flyhalf and shifting Fraser McReight to the reserves in favor of local favorite Carlo Tizzano.

The Wallabies hope to end a six-match losing run when they meet world number 10 Italy in Saturday evening's Nations Championship encounter in Perth.

Schmidt has guided the side to nine defeats in the last 10 outings, leaving his overall mark at 11 victories from 30 Tests.

Another loss on Saturday in his last game in charge would leave Schmidt with the lowest win rate of any Wallabies coach during the professional period.

Meredith entered the starting playmaker position for his Wallabies first appearance in last week's 42-26 defeat to France after Ben Donaldson and Carter Gordon suffered calf issues.

Even though Donaldson showed his readiness this week, Meredith keeps the starting role for the Italy game while Donaldson shifts to the reserves.

This leaves fullback Jock Campbell, who served as backup flyhalf last Saturday after shining against Ireland at No 15 the prior week, outside the squad entirely.

In a further selection risk, McReight drops to the bench despite claiming two first-half tries against France.

Tizzano earns the No 7 jersey start, with the Western Force player eager to perform in his opening Test of 2026 before his home supporters at HBF Park.

Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero stands set for his Wallabies debut from the reserves.

Amatosero faced suspension earlier this year following an incident that fractured the face of his Waratahs teammate Angus Scott-Young in a training altercation.

Harry Potter takes a wing spot to cover for the injured Dylan Pietsch (calf).

The world No 8 Wallabies sit in poor form, with players committing this week to farewell Schmidt and assistant coach Laurie Fisher positively.

Italy also remain winless in the Nations Championship after losses to Japan (27-10) and New Zealand (47-17). They will miss key second rower Niccolo Cannone due to a four-match ban for headbutting.

Australia: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (captain), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell. Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu