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Les Kiss: ‘No one has a right to this position. No one’s entitled’ Les Kiss: 'No one has a right to this position. No one's entitled' Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has named a telling 23 to face Japan in Osaka at the weekend, but insists that no one has a “right” to their shirt. Speaking in front of the press on Thursday, Kiss, who’s recently taken charge of the national side, said that when he arrived, he and his fellow coaches were looking to “find where we kept continuity and where we explored”, stating, “I think the combination that we saw with Lonners [Ryan Lonergan] and Decky [Declan Meredith] at nine and 10 was proof enough to say let’s keep that in situ.” He was also impressed with the back three, saying that they were “in good nick”, but admitted that he “had to make changes in 12 and 13”. “So that gave some good clues early,” he explained. “If our back-row was staying in situ, we thought that would just give the tight five a chance to go for it, and that’s what we’ve probably explored with most, haven’t we? “You’ve got to get that balance right, about how much you tinker.” The front and second-row have a combined total of just 31 caps, averaging only slightly over six caps per player. Kiss clearly feels confident to test this inexperienced front five, with the combination of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson there to back them up. Despite his confidence in his back-row, half-backs and back three, Kiss was keen to specify that no one player is guaranteed a spot in the team, but credited them by saying: “They want to earn it every time. No one has a right to this position. No one’s entitled. You know that they want to fight hard for their position. So I never promise anyone anything. “The commitment is that we put together the right type of plan that they can play their best in an environment they love to be at. But no one has a right to the position. The fact is there’s continuity that we stuck with, and then we know that we can build depth in certain positions.” Isaac Henry given “chance to shine” on debut Building depth is already underway in Kiss’ regime, as he brings in one debutant and awards two starts in his first matchday team. Lock Miles Amatosero and prop Aidan Ross don single-figure shirts for the first time as Wallabies, and Kiss was full of praise for their efforts in training. It will be Isaac Henry who is likely to be the most excited player on Friday, however, as he prepares to make his international debut. “It’s always pleasing to give someone a selection or their debut for sure,” beamed Kiss. “The reception he got from his mates was special. Zacky’s earned this right to be there on the bench and a possible debut. He covers 12 and 13, covers wing, and he’s a very smart footballer, a very savvy footballer. “He’s got great footwork. He’s very physical in defence. He’s earned every part of it. But yeah, it’s very pleasing to see him get this opportunity after all the work he’s put into himself to be right with all the injuries he’s had. Couldn’t be happier for him.” The 27-year-old hasn’t had the easiest run to the international stage, having struggled with injuries, but Kiss claimed that as a result, he’s built “resilience”, praising him for his “patience” and “commitment”, and adding that he now has his “chance to shine”.