Who is in the Australian RWC squad? Who is the Wallabies first opponent? Where can I watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in Australia? Everything you need to know ahead of first match against Georgia tonight
Australia take on Georgia in their World Cup opener on Sunday – and Eddie Jones’ men cannot afford to be complacent against the eastern Europeans.
The Lelos, ranked 11th in the world, will take their chances against the Wallabies, who have lost five consecutive Tests since Eddie Jones replaced Dave Rennie in January.
Jones, hailed as the ‘messiah’ in some Australian rugby circles, desperately needs a win in the Pool C match at the Stade de France first to keep the Wolves at bay.
A defeat would be embarrassing for the two-time World Cup winners.
Who are Australia’s key players?
Towering lock Will Skelton is the new captain, with halfback Tate McDermott deputizing.
Eddie Jones chose Will Skelton as his World Cup skipper, a move that shocked many rugby fans
Davit Niniashvili looms as the danger man for the Wallabies in their World Cup opener
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones needs a win at the Stade de France first to keep the Wolves at bay
Inside center Samu Kerevi is a standout with ball in hand, and look for wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete to dominate in the air.
Despite mounting criticism, Jones is confident his team can shock the world and also be a team Australian rugby fans are proud of.
“This group of young men has an opportunity to do something special,” he said.
“For such a young team, the way they have behaved in preparation for the World Cup is absolutely first class.
“We also want to be the team that everyone in Australia looks forward to seeing play.
“It’s not about me, it’s about what our players can do. All I’m trying to do is give them the chance to make their dreams come true.’
Where can I watch the match?
The match between the Wallabies and Georgia will be Shown LIVE on Stan Sport and Channel 9 from 1:30am AEST.
Is Georgia good?
In a word: yes. They will be the underdogs but emerge as a nation to watch closely.
Davit Niniashvili is set to be a breakout player at the World Cup, with the 21-year-old flyer tipped to play as a full-back.
Wallabies team selections:
In a selection surprise, Jones named Ben Donaldson to start at fullback ahead of Andrew Kellaway.
Donaldson, 24, is usually a fly-half, but his kicking skills and instinctive footy IQ will see him feature in the No. 15 jersey for the first time at Test level.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has caused a major squad surprise by appointing Ben Donaldson as fullback for Australia’s World Cup opener against Georgia
Eddie Jones is confident the Wallabies are heading in the right direction ahead of the World Cup despite losing their past five tests
The Wallabies’ last win came in November 2022 when they defeated Wales 39-34 in Cardiff
Australia’s attackers, who were defeated 41-17 by France last year, remain unchanged.
Jones’ side is also the least experienced Australian team at a World Cup since the 2003 game against Namibia in Adelaide, with a total of 343 Test caps.
17 of the 23 selected players will play their first World Cup match at the Stade de France in Paris.
Veterans Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper were glaring omissions from Jones’ last World Cup squad.
Wallabies: Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton (c), Richie Arnold, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell.
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