Kerevi dropped as Jones goes with Waratahs centres Peresi and Foketi
Nic White also dropped as Fines-Leleiwasa takes his place on the bench

Kerevi dropped as Jones goes with Waratahs centres Peresi and Foketi

Nic White also dropped as Fines-Leleiwasa takes his place on the bench

By Alipate Narawa
Saturday 30/09/2023
Izaia Perese (L) and Lalakai Foketi (R)

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has dropped Samu Kerevi for their last Rugby World Cup pool match against Portugal in the latest of his odd line-up selections.

Jones has named a new centre combination, with Izaia Perese joining NSW teammate Lalakai Foketi as the Australians attempt to finish a disastrous campaign on a positive note.

They will know before they enter the Saint-Etienne match on Monday morning whether their slim quarter-final hopes have been dashed, dependent on the outcome of the Fiji-Georgia game 24 hours earlier.

If Fiji wins with a bonus point the Australians can start packing their bags.

A lack of experience in the Wallabies side was exposed in their record losses to Wales and Fiji, but Jones has opted to axe Kerevi and Jordan Petaia and bring in Foketi and five-Test Perese for his first World Cup match.

While he’s a specialist outside centre, Perese has never started a Test at 13.

Jones told reporters that Foketi has trained well the whole tournament and Kerevi has probably just been a little off.

In an unchanged front row, centurion James Slipper will break George Gregan’s record for the most World Cup matches by an Australian, making his 21st appearance.

Fraser McReight has returned to the No.7 jersey with Tom Hooper switching to blindside flanker with Rob Leota relegated to the bench.

With one Test under his belt, Josh Kemeny has been selected for his first World Cup appearance as the remaining forward cover.

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa has been named on the bench ahead of veteran halfback Nic White, with Tate McDermott partnering Ben Donaldson in the halves.

Jones says there would be an emphasis on attack from the first minute to the 80th, and they need to empty the tank.

Wallabies team to face Portugal:

Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Ben Donaldson, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, James Slipper, David Porecki (capt), Angus Bell.

Reserves: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Josh Kemeny, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu.

Source: Rugbypass

Rugby World Cup - Bronze and Grand Final

DateTimeTeamTeam
Bronze Final -
Sat 28 OctFull TimeArgentina23 - 26England
Grand Final -
Sun 29 OctFull TimeNew Zealand11 - 12South Africa
Click here for full fixtures

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Speight’s release has reopened old wounds for those who suffered loss during the 2000 coup - Lal
Opposition MP, Ketan Lal says they have received countless heartfelt messages from fellow Fijians who are deeply saddened and disappointed by the rece...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
FNPF expands voluntary membership to newborns
Newborns can now become members of the Fiji National Provident Fund under the Voluntary Membership Scheme following changes to the FNPF Act ...
2 hours ago

Speight has served his time and life needs to move on - Bulitavu
George Speight has served his time and life needs to move on. Those are the comments of Opposition MP, Mosese Bulitavu as he says we need to move ...
2 hours ago

Masala Mix team promises laughter and surprises during Bollywood Dhamaka Show
As excitement builds for Navtarang Sargam Bollywood Dhamaka Show at Ratu Cakobau Park this evening, the 5 to 6 Masala Mix team is gearing up for an ...
3 hours ago

China will be 'high on the agenda' for Quad talks as Anthony Albanese heads to the US
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has embarked on a fleeting trip to the United States for a meeting of the Quad countries that will focus heavily on ...
3 hours ago

Fiji and China focus on innovation and cooperation at 75th anniversary celebrations
Hundreds of people were part of the 75th anniversary of China Day at the Grand Pacific Hotel last night to witness the good relationship that Fiji ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
PART 2: Special Miss Hibiscus Festival segment 2024 on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
The second group of Miss Hibiscus 2024 contestants appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. They are Miss Moutai Ciara Lee; Miss ...
9 days ago

FICAC Saga
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption conducted a search at the Electoral Commission relating to an ongoing investigation against ...
15 days ago

PART 1: Special Miss Hibiscus Festival segment 2024 on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
 Special Miss Hibiscus Festival segment 2024 on fijivillage Straight ...
21 days ago

TOP