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PARIS – Eddie Jones has picked a side not just to beat Georgia but beat them well. Ultimately though, all that matters is victory.
He could have wrapped the fit-again Samu Kerevi in cotton wool knowing the challenges that lay ahead. Instead, he has named the hulking centre to start against the Eastern Europeans.
Fabien Galthie didn’t take the same chance with Jonathan Danty – the second most important player to Les Bleus’ hopes after Antoine Dupont – despite their only Pool A threats being the All Blacks on the opening night of World Cup.
He could have taken a cautious approach with Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, knowing the duo are paramount to their hopes of going deep into the tournament, despite James Slipper and Pone Fa’amausili close to returning to play.
Instead, Jones has named all three men to start.
Samu Kerevi will return against Georgia for the Wallabies’ World Cup opener. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Jones has done so because he recognises now is the time to turn the corner.
The Wallabies won’t and can’t win the World Cup on Saturday (Sunday, 2am), but it’s about taking a step forward.
Victory, no matter what form that takes against the world’s 11th ranked nation, will be all the Wallabies need to relieve the anxiety bubbling away in Australia and, indeed, the team.
The Wallabies coach might have surprised many by naming Ben Donaldson at fullback, but, as extraordinary as his selection appears, this isn’t simply a participation moment.
Jones has selected Donaldson over Andrew Kellaway, who is desperately unfortunate to be dropped, for two reasons.
He knows the Randwick playmaker has completely bought into his Australian way of not just seeing the game but playing it, too.
His heads-up rugby and cross-field kick to send Dylan Pietsch into score against the Blues in their quarter-final defeat was exactly the type of play that would have impressed Jones.
He has also picked Donaldson because he will help take the pressure off Carter Gordon at the kicking tee.
Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen, Samu Kerevi and Ben Donaldson during a training session ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 on September 04, 2023 in Saint-Etienne. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
It doesn’t mean Western Force-bound back will continue to wear the No.15 jersey throughout the tournament, but, for the time being, his inclusion will allow Gordon to ease into the tournament without the burden of knowing he is the sole kicker.
Where Kellaway’s excellent support lines have been on show in recent months, Donaldson’s ability to both create and clear from his long boot will have impressed Jones.
Georgia is no longer merely a set-piece driven side but one that kicks often and counters through their impressive fullback Davit Niniashvili.
Donaldson will be tasked with ensuring the Wallabies play territory and pounce when the moment arises. With Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase out wide, the 24-year-old has two of the best wingers in the world to unleash.
Eddie Jones has named his strongest possible side to take on Georgia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jones will be watching closely at how Kellaway responds following his axing.
Often a contrarian at the selection table, it’s not the first time Jones has dropped someone considered un-droppable by many.
But should the 27-year-old, who experienced the highs and lows of professional sport from a young age after a stellar junior career, not drop his bundle, it could well be the springboard back into the side.
Really though, Saturday’s Test will be won and lost up front by the Wallabies’ front-row.
It is there that will make and break the Wallabies.
Should Tupou and Bell be in a mood, with Will Skelton and Rob Valetini behind them, they can stampede over Georgia.
It’s off that forward momentum Jones wants his playmakers Tate McDermott to use their speed and attacking potency to unleash their men out wide, including Jordan Petaia.
If they do that, Georgia won’t be able to handle the Wallabies’ pace.
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.