Saint-Etienne: Wallabies back-rower Fraser McReight has been dropped to the bench and Eddie Jones has again changed his mind on the captaincy for the World Cup blockbuster against Wales, with Dave Porecki chosen to lead the team despite Tate McDermott being available.
Jones has made five changes to the starting XV from last week’s horror 22-15 loss to Fiji – Australia’s first defeat to the Pacific Island nation since 1954.
As revealed by this masthead this week, Ben Donaldson will shift to No.10 in place of Carter Gordon, while Andrew Kellaway will finally get a chance at fullback after being snubbed for the opening two matches.
It is a tough blow for Gordon, who will come off the bench instead. He will provide cover at No.10 should Donaldson pick up an injury, and can kick goals late in the game if needed.
Jones has repeatedly backed Gordon to improve but has lost faith in the youngster before Sunday’s game (Monday 5am AEST), which Australia must win to keep alive their hopes of making the quarter-finals.
“If you know anything about rugby, you know that 10s need time in the seat,” Jones said last month. “If you don’t know anything about rugby, then don’t talk to me.”
Wallabies back-rower Fraser McReight. Credit: Getty
The other major talking point is the omission of McReight from Australia’s starting side.
With Michael Hooper not wanted for the World Cup, Jones has backed Tom Hooper – no relation – to don the No.7 jersey for just the second time at Test level.
McReight will be on the bench after starting Australia’s past four Tests.
Jones clearly wants a bigger pack to muscle up against Wales, with Rob Leota brought in at No.6 alongside fellow back-rower Rob Valetini at No.8.
There are no changes to the tight five, with James Slipper again starting at tight-head prop in Taniela Tupou’s absence.
McDermott, the side’s halfback and vice-captain, returns to the starting side after missing the Fiji fixture but won’t lead the team.
That honour has been given again to Porecki, who was an emergency replacement last week because of skipper Will Skelton’s calf injury.
It is a bizarre decision to not select McDermott, who was appointed vice-captain before the World Cup. Australia have had six captains this year.
The stakes could not be higher for the Wallabies in Lyon, where another loss would almost certainly consign them to their first World Cup pool stage exit.
Wales lead Pool C on 10 competition points, ahead of Australia and Fiji on six points.
The permutations are complex, given bonus points are available, but if the Wallabies beat Wales and score four tries, therefore earning a bonus point, their chances of making the top two in the group improve significantly.
A loss to Wales would not definitively end Australia’s campaign but it would result in a long fortnight of waiting to see whether Fiji, who have a bye this weekend, jump ahead in the final weekend of matches.
“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.”
Wales have won three of the past four Tests between the sides but the Wallabies won the most recent clash 39-34 in Cardiff in November, despite trailing by 21 points in the second half.
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