Prop James Slipper will become the third Australian to play in four Rugby World Cups after being named as the replacement for the injured Taniela Tupou in the Wallabies side to meet Fiji.
Slipper’s inclusion at the expense of Tupou, who succumbed to a hamstring injury, is one of three changes to the Australian team that started in last weekend’s 35-15 win over Georgia in Paris.
Experienced halfback Nic White has also been called in for the match on Monday morning (AEST) in Saint-Etienne, with vice-captain Tate McDermott having been ruled out in accordance with rugby’s HIA protocols after suffering a knock to his head against Georgia.
The other change is another alteration in the forwards, with lock Nick Frost coming in for Richie Arnold, who has been dropped to the bench.
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“It’s another big opportunity for our young side to keep getting better and we’ll be ready,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said.
“Fiji is the most important match of our Rugby World Cup campaign.”
Veteran front-rower Slipper will join George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper as Wallabies to have played in four World Cups.
The Fijians can’t afford another Group C loss after having already been beaten 32-26 by Wales,
Wallabies team to play Fiji:
1. Angus Bell (25 Tests)
2. David Porecki (16 Tests)
3. James Slipper (131 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (12 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (c) (30 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper (5 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (14 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (36 Tests)
9. Nic White (64 Tests)
10. Carter Gordon (6 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (56 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (46 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (29 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (8 Tests)
15. Ben Donaldson (4 Tests)
Bench:
16. Jordan Uelese (18 Tests)
17. Blake Schoupp (2 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (4 Tests)
19. Richie Arnold (6 Tests)
20. Rob Leota (18 Tests)
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (1 Test)
22. Lalakai Foketi (7 Tests)
23. Suliasi Vunivalu (4 Tests)
