Test centurion James Slipper will be starting at tighthead prop for the Wallabies in their Pool C second leg match against Fiji in Saint-Etienne. Slipper will become the third Australian to appear in four Rugby World Cups, placing him alongside George Gregan. Adam Ashley-Cooper will be replacing the injured Taniela Tupou at his milestone, while the experienced Nick White will be taking over for Tate McDermott at scrum-half. The vice-captain, who played in last weekend’s opening game against Georgia, will now follow HIA protocols following the victory.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones emphasized the importance of the game against Fiji in their Rugby World Cup campaign. He sees it as another opportunity for their young squad to continue developing and states that they will be ready on Sunday. The team also sees the addition of Nick Frost, David Polecki, and Angus Bell, with Frost set to play his first World Cup test and starting in the second row alongside captain Will Skelton.
Jones decided to name an unchanged back row for the first of two pool games at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard. This includes Nick White alongside the youthful loose forward trio of Tom Hooper, Fraser McCreight, and Rob Valletini. Sam Kerevi and Jordan Petaia will form their first Test starting pair with Carter Gordon. Ben Donaldson, who gave a man-of-the-match performance in the opening game, was selected again at full-back, joined by Mark Nawakanitawase and Marika Koroibete on the wings.
The finishing hooker position was given to Matsu, who is one of only two players to score double figures in Test appearances. As for the finishing props, Blake Skopp and Zane Nongoal were selected. Richie Arnold switched roles with Frost, and Rob Leota will provide versatility as cover for the rest of the forward pack.
Isak Finesse-Leleywasa, a junior from Port Douglas, will be playing in his first Rugby World Cup match as the final scrumhalf, with Larakai Foketty and Suryasi Vunivalu rounding out the Matchday 23.
All Rugby World Cup coverage can be watched on Stan Sport, where the games will be streamed live and on-demand in 4K UHD without ads. Wallabies matches will also be broadcast live on the Nine Network.
The Wallabies team will face Fiji at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne on Sunday, September 17th. The fixture is part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.