The Wallabies may be unbackable favourites to win their World Cup opener against Georgia despite potential selection shocks from coach Eddie Jones, who remains adamant about moving on from the old guard and doing things his way.
In the latest surprise, Jones could start Ben Donaldson, regarded by many as a shock selection in the 33-man squad, at fullback in the first game in Paris as he looks to bolster his goalkicking stocks.
Star centre Samu Kerevi is now more likely than not to take his place despite being on a limited training plan as he recovers from a broken hand in a boost for the Wallabies.
Donaldson has played just four Tests since his debut last November against Italy and said this week he wasn’t expecting to be in the squad, but his call-up gave him the chance to “show the coaches what I’m capable of”.
“To be honest, I thought the way I’ve been playing this year, I probably wasn’t expecting to make it,” Donaldson said.
“I knew the squad was coming out. I didn’t get too caught up in it or anything. I haven’t really been playing the way I want to this year, neither has our team, so I wasn’t really expecting anything.
“To see my name there, I was over the moon. Whenever you get named in a Wallabies squad, it’s a big achievement. Now it’s about continuing to work hard and work on my game.”
Reports suggested Donaldson is set to where the No.15 jersey for the first time at international level despite Andrew Kellaway being widely tipped to retain the fullback position.
Jones is set to confirm his team later on Thursday and even before picking Donaldson it will feature a raft of World Cup novices that veteran Nic White, who is likely to miss selection, said would ensure loads of nerves.
But the 33-year-old playmaker said the Wallabies should use that nervous energy to help them.
“Everyone‘s going to be nervous,” White said.
“There’ll be some young guys in our group that are nervous, old blokes in our group that are nervous, even staff members that are nervous.
“But also, every team is bloody nervous because we‘re at the start line.
“Just understanding that’s OK, that everybody is feeling the same before a World Cup.
“It’s OK to feel that way. Nerves are a good thing, It means you care and just making sure that when they come on, embrace them.”
White also revealed Kerevi looked ready to go after speculation he would not be fit to play.
“He pumped me off,” White quipped after training.
“He was running through blokes. He was good today.”
Teenager Max Jorgensen’s name was also among those being speculated as a possible inclusion to play Georgia. The 19-year-old had impressed White, who said Jorgensen’s rugby IQ was “though the roof”, with expectation he will play in the tournament as Jones unleashes generation next.
“I had lunch with him yesterday and I had to remind myself that he just turned 19,” White said.
“He’s so mature, such a good competitor. His football IQ is through the roof. Even just his body, he’s impressive.
“I was talking to ‘Slips’ (Slipper) and we were just, ‘Wow, this guy’s going to be good’.”
White, who featured prominently at the last World Cup, said he was happy with his position and as a senior member of the squad wanted to add value in any way he could.
“When I first came back to Australian rugby, there was a question mark around 2023. Look, I’m here,” he said.
“It’s all ahead of us. We’re at the start line now. The gun’s about to go and we’ve worked bloody hard, and I think we’re all just looking forward to it.”
