Eddie Jones’ penchant for surprise and high risk will continue at the Rugby World Cup after naming Ben Donaldson to start at fullback in Australia’s opening match.
Donaldson, 24, was widely considered lucky to make the Wallabies World Cup squad ahead of Quade Cooper after an underwhelming Super Rugby season with the Waratahs.
But Jones remained enamoured by his potential, regularly praising his training performances at both fullback and five-eighth.
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Donaldson – who has played three Tests – has been picked ahead of the reliable Andrew Kellaway in Sunday’s (AEST) crucial clash with Georgia in Paris.
In his first start at No.15, he provides another goalkicking option for Australia after Carter Gordon’s recent struggles from the tee.
The Wallabies are winless under Jones in 2023 and another loss would be devastating to their quarter-final chances.
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Seventeen of the 23 picked will be playing in their first World Cup match and the 343 Test caps is the fewest for Australia at a World Cup since the 2003 fixture against Namibia in Adelaide (283).
“The Rugby World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and the players can see the opportunity that’s ahead of them over the next eight weeks,” Jones said.
“With the youngest team at the Rugby World Cup the excitement level in the group is high and we’ve had a good preparation for the tournament working hard on our game.
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“All 20 teams are at the starting line now and it’s important we get off to a fast start against Georgia.”
In a major boost to Australia’s hopes, centre Samu Kerevi has been passed fit to start.
Prop Taniela Tupou will make his 50th appearance for the Wallabies in an unchanged forward pack from the one soundly beaten by France in their final warmup match.
WALLABIES (15-1): Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton (c), Richie Arnold, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Nic White, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu
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