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Kellaway, Leota start as Wallabies name side to face Wales
Fri, Sep 22, 2023, 3:27 PM
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has named his side to face Wales, with Andrew Kellaway set to start at fullback.
Kellaway will feature in his first World Cup game at the back, shifting Ben Donaldson to flyhalf.
The move will see Carter Gordon revert to the bench with Tate McDermott to partner Donaldson in the halves, returning from a concussion.
McDermott will serve as vice-captain of the side, with Dave Porecki retaining the captaincy in an unchanged tight five.
Jones has made one change to the forward pack, with Rob Leota thrust into the back-row.
Leota will start at blindside flanker, with Tom Hooper moving to openside flanker.
Pone Fa'amausili returns from injury on the bench, joined by Matt Faessler and Blake Schoupp.
He is joined by Fraser McReight, with Nic White, Gordon and Suliasi Vunivalu the back replacements.
“Every team has matches like this during a Rugby World Cup and for this young team it is this week," Jones said.
“We’ve prepared well, are focused on what we need to do, and we’ll be ready to fight on Sunday night.”
Wallabies
Team to play Wales at OL Stadium, Lyon on Sunday 24 September, 9:00pm CET/5:00am Monday AEST
1. Angus Bell (26 Tests)
2. David Porecki (c) (17 Tests)
3. James Slipper (132 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (13 Tests)
5. Richie Arnold (7 Tests)
6. Rob Leota (19 Tests)
7. Tom Hooper (6 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (37 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (27 Tests)
10. Ben Donaldson (5 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (57 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (47 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (30 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (8 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (24 Tests)
16. Matt Faessler (3 Tests)
17. Blake Schoupp (3 Tests)
18. Pone Fa’amausili (5 Tests)
19. Matt Philip (30 Tests)
20. Fraser McReight (15 Tests)
21. Nic White (65 Tests)
22. Carter Gordon (7 Tests)
23. Suliasi Vunivalu (5 Tests)