2023-08-25 11:32:53
By Le Figaro with Reuters
Posted 1 hour ago, Just Updated
Will Skelton Speed Media/Icon Sportswire / PANORAMIC
Eddie Jones and his staff have communicated the 23 Australian players who will challenge the Blues this Sunday at the Stade de France (5:45 p.m.). With in particular a second line composed of Richie Arnold and Will Skelton. Carter Gordon holds at the opener.
The Toulousain Richie Arnold and the Rochelais Will Skelton will form the second line of the Wallabiers against the Blues. The latter will also be captain, as planned. Coach Eddie Jones dismissed his confirmed players for the World Cup and placed his hopes in the youth. Losing bet for now as Australia have lost all four matches since returning to lead the team for a second term this season. The starting 15 have 258 caps alone, while 12 of the squad’s 23 players have less than 10, which perfectly illustrates their lack of experience at international level. The colossal Skelton (31 years old, 28 selections) will be the 87th captain of the Wallabies, thus succeeding players such as George Gregan or John Eales… Double European champion in title, he will guide a young team, with 258 selections in total on the score sheet, including 48 for the only pillar Taniel Tupou, the most experienced player summoned by Eddie Jones.
The Wallabies, who remain on four losses in a row, play their last preparation match for the World Cup (September 8-October 28) against France, Sunday at the Stade de France. “We are a young, ambitious team developing our gamesaid Jones in a Rugby Australia press release. “Playing against the hosts of the tournament, in front of a large audience, at the site of the (World Cup) final, is perfect preparation for us. We had an impressive preparation this week. Improving our physical ability has been a priority and our rugby fitness is improving rapidly and we will look to use that against France».
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Preparing for the tournament has been difficult for Jones, who has had strained relations with the media after touting the team’s progress, which has yet to translate into victories. The double world champions (1991, 1999) were paid into Pool C of the World Cup, with Wales, Fiji and Portugal.
The Australian team: 15-Andrew Kellaway, 14-Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13-Jordan Petaia, 12-Lalakai Foketi, 11-Suliasi Vunivalu, 10-Carter Gordon, 9-Tate McDermott, 8-Rob Valetini, 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Tom Hooper, 5-Will Skelton, 4-Richie Arnold, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-David Porecki, 1-Angus Bell
Replacements: 16-Matt Faessler, 17-Blake Schoupp, 18-Zane Nonggorr, 19-Matt Philip, 20-Rob Leota, 21-Langi Gleeson, 22-Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23-Ben Donaldson.
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