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PARIS – As Eddie Jones declared the Wallabies “ready to go”, the veteran head coach said Ben Donaldson’s goal-kicking ability was a factor in his decision to promote the maligned back for Saturday’s (Sunday, 2am AEST) World Cup opener against Georgia at the Stade de France.
Donaldson was one of three changes to Jones’ Wallabies side from the one that lost to Les Bleus late last month, with the Force-bound utility back replacing the dumped Andrew Kellaway at fullback.
All three changes were in the backline, as the fit-again Samu Kerevi returned at inside centre and reigning John Eales Medallist Marika Koroibete was named on the wing alongside Mark Nawaqanitawase.
How long Kerevi plays remains to be seen, with sources telling The Roar the plan is for the damaging centre to play just 40 minutes.
Fortunately, Jones has left himself some wriggle room to do just that by reverting back to a five forwards, three backs split on his bench.
With Lalakai Foketi named alongside Nic White and Suliasi Vunivalu, Jones has coverage across the entire backline.
The forward pack is settled for the first time this year, with Rob Leota providing cover in the second-row, while Langi Gleeson has also been selected on the bench for the second straight Test.
It’s believed Nick Frost is still somewhat troubled by an ear issue.
But it was Donaldson’s selection, which was exclusively revealed by The Roar, that was the jaw-dropping bombshell out of Jones’ squad, as the coach went all-in on youth by picking the least experienced Wallabies team (343 caps) since his 2003 team romped Romania in Adelaide.
“Well, there’s no advantage or disadvantages? It’s our best team,” Jones said on Thursday afternoon at the Stade de France.
“It’s 20 years since Australia’s picked a young team like this, and it shows a changing of the guard. This is a new team that wants to take Australian rugby forward.”
Ben Donaldson has been named to start for the Wallabies against Georgia. (Chris Hyde, Getty Images)
Donaldson, 24, is the latest youngster to be elevated into the starting side, with the utility back to start for just the second time, including his first under Jones, in his fourth Test.
Despite dividing the rugby community following an up-and-down year with the Waratahs, which ultimately led to Darren Coleman allowing Donaldson to sign with the Force, Jones hasn’t hesitated in naming the Randwick junior at fullback.
“Andrew [Kellaway] is right for selection. We just felt for this game Donno gives us the coverage we need,” Jones confirmed.
That coverage extends to goal-kicking, with Donaldson, who predominantly had the kicking responsibilities for the Waratahs in 2023 with Tane Edmed injured for a large chunk of the season, to give Jones another option.
Whether he takes over from Carter Gordon remains to be seen, but the fly-half’s struggles at the Stade de France last month, where he landed just one from five shots, will at least provide cover should he struggle.
Eddie Jones has made three changes to his starting XV, including Ben Donaldson at fullback and Samu Kerevi at inside centre. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Despite Donaldson telling reporters on Monday that he had spent the bulk of the past fortnight training at fly-half, Jones said the utility back had trained “almost exclusively” at fullback throughout The Rugby Championship – a tournament he didn’t feature in.
“He’s been training with us for six to eight weeks mostly at fullback rather than 10,” Jones said.
“His goal-kicking has been at a high standard, which obviously gives us two [options] for the game. With Nic White off the bench it gives us three for the game. That’s an area we’ve needed to bolster, hence the selection.”
On selecting him at fullback, Jones said it was always an “idea we’ve had”.
He added: “We need to bolster the goal kicking, that’s evident, and that’s why he’s in the team.”
Jones, as he has all year, elected not to speak about players who weren’t selected when asked about Kellaway’s reaction following his axing.
“I’m only here to talk about players that are playing,” he said.
“Those conversations with players who are left out are always difficult.”
Eddie Jones poses ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 at the Stade de France on September 07, 2023 in Paris. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Jones, who is entering his fourth World Cup and third as head coach, said he was confident the Wallabies were on track to give the tournament a genuine shake despite entering it after five straight losses to start the year.
“We’re ready to go,” said Jones, after it was asked whether the once broken down Datsun 1200 he compared the Wallabies with in July had become fully functional.
“F1. Whatever car you like in F1. The fast one. We’re just about ready to take off, mate.
“It’s been a really good progression. We went through a period where we had to almost restructure the team to get ourselves in a position where we think we can win the World Cup.
This is the first step against Georgia. Very important game.
“I have been really impressed in the later part of The Rugby Championship and the France game, and the preparation here that the team is really starting to come together and understand how we want to play. Play to our strengths.
“It would be unfair for me to say I knew where the team was going to end up because we’re just starting to understand our strengths as a team. We’re going to develop a reasonably unique style of play that suits us. We’re ready to go. We’re just ready for the lights.”
Wallabies team to play Georgia at Stade de France, Paris on Saturday 9 September, 6:00pm CET/2:00am Sunday AEST
1. Angus Bell (24 Tests)
2. David Porecki (15 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (49 Tests)
4. Richie Arnold (5 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (c) (29 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper (4 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (13 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (35 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (vc) (26 Tests)
10. Carter Gordon (5 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (55 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (45 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (28 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (7 Tests)
15. Ben Donaldson (3 Tests)
Finishers
16. Matt Faessler (2 Tests)
17. Blake Schoupp (1 Test)
18. Zane Nonggorr (3 Tests)
19. Rob Leota (17 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (4 Tests)
21. Nic White (63 Tests)
22. Lalakai Foketi (6 Tests)
23. Suliasi Vunivalu (3 Tests)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.