It’s on for young and old in the early hours of the morning, as the Wallabies take on Italy in Padova with a healthy mix of youth and experience. And encapsulating that blend perfectly is the debut of rising star halfback Jake Gordon, alongside the return of 116-test veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper.

The calls for 25-year-old Gordon to get his chance in a test jersey have become increasingly louder off the back of his form for both the Waratahs and latterly, the NSW Country Eagles in the NRC. While Ashley-Cooper pulls on the green and gold again at the age of 33-years-old, a full two years after his last appearance against the All Blacks.

Both players faced the media yesterday, Gordon excited about his first run-out in national colours, and Ashley-Cooper humbled by the opportunity to be a part of it all again. And while their focus is understandably on getting the Wallabies back on track against the Azzurri after just three wins in eleven games in 2018, the desire to put their best foot forward a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Japan can’t be lying too far beneath the surface.

Video courtesy of Rugby AU

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The Wallabies Spring Tour Test Matches are all live, free and in HD on SBS, as well as streamed live online via SBS On Demand.

The Spring Tour is also screened LIVE on beIN Sports, available to all FOX Sports subscribers and will be available to stream via Foxtel Go.

Qantas Wallabies team to play Italy at Stadio Euganeo, Padova, Italy on Saturday 17 November, 3.00pm local (1.00am AEDT)

1. Scott Sio (53 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (6 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (10 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (15 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (29 Tests)
6. Jack Dempsey (8 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (89 Tests)
8. David Pocock (76 Tests)
9. Jake Gordon*
10. Matt To’omua (40 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (18 Tests)
12. Bernard Foley (66 Tests)
13. Samu Kerevi (23 Tests)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (116 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (71 Tests)

Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (87 Tests)
17. Jermaine Ainsley (1 Test)
18. Sekope Kepu (101 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (92 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (7 Tests)
21. Will Genia (98 Tests)
22. Kurtley Beale (82 Tests)
23. Dane Haylett-Petty (29 Tests)