Predicted Wallabies 23 for RWC opener: Front row tweak, bag handler to finisher, what to expect from Georgia

After Thursday’s mega drop from Eddie Jones, attention turns to who the Wallabies will roll out against Georgia in their World Cup opener at the Stade de France on September 9.

Of course, before then, the squad could change drastically. 

After all, there’s two weeks of brutal training to get through, including a four-day camp in the Northern Territory, as well as a Test match against France in Paris on the weekend final of August.

Injuries are bound to occur. Could there yet be hope for a dramatic return of Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper or perhaps James O’Connor? 

The events of the past month would suggest anything could happen.

Add to it that Australia A will play a day earlier than the Wallabies in Paris against their Pool C opponents Portugal and last-minute selection pushes could occur. 

As it stands, Cooper’s dramatic axing has opened the door for Ben Donaldson to go from bag handler to regular Wallabies finisher.

With Carter Gordon the only specialist flyhalf and, indeed, only other player to wear the No.10 jersey in the squad in a Super Rugby match, Donaldson is poised to play significant minutes and in the main shot-calling position. It’s an extraordinary development continuing a remarkable, roller-coaster year.

Even though the Wallabies can’t take Georgia for granted, Jones will be thankful that his side aren’t taking on Fiji first-up like they did in 2015 and 2019. 

Simon Raiwalui’s men are on a roll and they will instead take on Warren Gatland’s first-up instead.

While Fiji and Wales shape as the Wallabies’ main two challengers to progress through to the quarter-finals, Georgia can’t be written off.

Blessed with a strong pack, they will try and take it to the Wallabies early. It’s why Jones isn’t likely to take any chances in their opening World Cup match. But nerves are likely.

Few international sides hit the ground running from the outset. Riding the early wave is essential.

For a squad with little experience and just five players over the age of 30, it’s why James Slipper could start in their opener with Angus Bell shaping as a compelling option off the bench to run over the Georgians.

Indeed, managing Bell’s minutes will be crucial too. But starting him a week later against Fiji could be what’s needed.

Also, with Taniela Tupou needing minutes, starting him would give Jones strong ball-damaging options in both the first and second half. 

Tupou and Slipper have formed a partnership and bond that dates back to when the ‘Tongan Thor’ first arrived at Ballymore.

James Slipper (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

To take down the Georgians, Jones will know he needs to match them physically. But Fraser McReight’s speed and breakdown threat can help curtail them from the outset.

While Nic White will likely play more minutes as the tournament goes, his experience closing out a match could prove a compelling option from the bench. Let’s not forget his impact off the bench in 2019.

Furthermore, this Wallabies side could be 0-5 heading into their World Cup opener.

The backline otherwise likely picks itself assuming Samu Kerevi is fit. 

Jordan Petaia can shift further out if necessary, but to begin with the back three combination of Andrew Kellaway in-between wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete has a fantastic balance between them.

While Matt Faessler has a strong debut, meeting Georgia’s challenge up front at the scrum could well see Jordan Uelese return as the replacement hooker. 

He also has a combination with Pone Fa’amausili, who needs to fire in France.

Bell would provide another excellent ball-running option and his maturity and composure shouldn’t be understated.

Donaldson and Izaia Perese, with Petaia at outside centre, would give the Wallabies some balance from the bench.

As much as Jones’ World Cup squad announcement was one of surprise, there’s still a strong 23 that the Wallabies will roll out in France.

But starting strong and building confidence is essential, particularly with the Flying Fijians waiting.

Game one early predicted team: James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Will Skelton (c), Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amuasili, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Izaia Perese.