Donaldson get shock Wallabies World Cup fullback start

Melissa Woods | September 8, 2023

Coach Eddie Jones has pulled another huge selection shock by naming Ben Donaldson at fullback for the Wallabies in their opening Rugby World Cup clash with Georgia.

Jones opted for Donaldson to wear the No.15 jersey ahead of incumbent Andrew Kellaway, who has been left out of the sold-out Stade de France match in Paris on Sunday (AEST).

The move could be an attempt to shore up the team’s goalkicking after young five-eighth Carter Gordon missed four of five shots in the warm up match loss to France. 

It’s Donaldson’s first start at fullback in his three Tests and he’s only come off the bench this year for the last quarter of Australia’s World Cup warm-up loss to France.

Kellaway started at fullback in both Tests against New Zealand and the France fixture late last month and was expected to continue in the role.

Samu Kerevi has recovered from a hand injury to return to the starting side in the number 12 jersey, partnering with Jordan Petaia in the centres, with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete the wingers and Gordon and Tate McDermott again paired in the halves.

NRL recruit Suliasi Vunivalu is a surprise selection for a bench role.

Jones named an unchanged forward pack from the French match with tighthead prop Taniela Tupou playing his 50th Test and lock Will Skelton the captain.

With a total of 343 Test caps in the team, it is the fewest for Australia at a Rugby World Cup since the 2003 fixture against Namibia in Adelaide (283).

“With the youngest team at the Rugby World Cup the excitement level in the group is high and we’ve had a good preparation for the tournament working hard on our game,” said Jones.

“All 20 teams are at the starting line now and it’s important we get off to a fast start against Georgia on Saturday night.”

Wallabies: Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Richie Arnold, Will Skelton (c), Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott (vc), Carter Gordon, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson. Res: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Nic White, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu.