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Eddie Jones makes bold call at flyhalf ahead of must-win Wales clash
By Finn Morton
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made a sensationally bold move ahead of the Wallabies’ must-win clash with Wales that will leave the rugby world buzzing over the next couple of days.
Coach Jones has dropped young playmaker Carter Gordon to the bench after his disappointing performance against Fiji last weekend, while Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf.
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the selection bombshell earlier this week, and the rest of the starting side is in line with the report as Andrew Kellaway returns to the starting side.
Australia’s Rugby World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after losing to Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday. They need to beat Wales to keep their quarter-final dreams alive.
“Every team has matches like this during a Rugby World Cup and for this young team it is this week,” Jones said in a statement.
“We’ve prepared well, are focused on what we need to do, and we’ll be ready to fight on Sunday night.”
Hooker Davick Porecki will captain the Wallabies again this week in the absence of Will Skelton – the towering lock never appeared to be any chance of returning against the Welsh.
Porecki will pack down in the front row alongside props Angus Bell and James Slipper, and locks Nick Frost and Richie Arnold complete the tight five.
Coach Jones has made another interesting decision in the backrow with Fraser McReight falling out of the run-on side. Rob Leota comes into the team at blindside flanker while Tom Hooper shifts to openside.
Australia enforcer Rob Valetini is a mainstay of this Wallabies side, and it’s no surprise to see the No. 8 retain his place at the back of the scrum.
Wallabies vice-captain Tate McDermott also returns to the starting side after missing the Fiji clash due to concussion. McDermott will link up with Donaldson in an untested halves partnership.
Donaldson has only played five Test matches in Wallaby gold, which includes just a single start in the No. 10 jersey – which was also against Wales during last year’s end-of-season tour.
The return of Andrew Kellaway at fullback is the only other change to the Australian backline which boasts plenty of potential.
Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia will combine in the midfield again this week, while Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase line up on the left and right wings respectively.
Wallabies team to take on Wales
- Angus Bell
- David Porecki (c)
- James Slipper
- Nick Frost
- Richie Arnold
- Rob Leota
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
- Tate McDermott
- Ben Donaldson
- Marika Koroibete
- Samu Kerevi
- Jordan Petaia
- Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Andrew Kellaway
Finishers
- Matt Faessler
- Blake Schoupp
- Pone Fa’amausili
- Matt Philip
- Fraser McReight
- Nic White
- Carter Gordon
- Suliasi Vunivalu
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