The Wallabies have opted for experience in their front row to face Fiji this weekend, with former captain David Porecki called back into the team, 643 days since he last pulled on a gold jersey.
Porecki, 32, was named on Friday in the starting XV for Sunday’s Test in Newcastle, alongside all-time cap record holder James Slipper and 80-Test tighthead Allan Alaalatoa, in a forward pack missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries.
Porecki last ran out for Australia at the ill-fated 2023 Rugby World Cup, then didn’t play at all in 2024 due to separate Achilles and calf issues, but has got the nod from coach Joe Schmidt to return to the international fold at McDonald Jones Stadium.
He captained Australia to a historic loss the last time Australia met Fiji; he is one of nine players backing up from that clash at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.
Schmidt said Porecki’s reaction to the news was measured.
“He’s process driven, it will be just another game for him but he knows a real opportunity for him,” he said.
“I like that about him; Dave is measured so you know when the pressure comes on he’s unlikely to get panicked, he’s going to remain measured and process focused and that’s some of the experience that he brings.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s recovery from a fractured jaw is complete and the 21-year-old will partner inside centre Len Ikitau, reestablishing a combination from the Spring tour. The game against Fiji will be Suaalii’s first Test on home soil.
No 8 Harry Wilson will again captain the team, while Tate McDermott starts at scrumhalf, partnering with Noah Lolesio. Winger Max Jorgensen returns from an ankle injury and Harry Potter has been selected on the right flank.
Schmidt said player selection was based a mix of Super Rugby Pacific form, recent Test history and some trials, particularly in the front row as he looked to mix up state combinations.
“It’s almost like speed dating, trying to get these guys together as good as we can to try to build some combinations; front-rowers wouldn’t like that reference would they - it’s slippery ground,” he said.
Given the change in coach and new faces in the Test squad Schmidt said that while they had used that World Cup match as part of their opposition analysis, it wasn’t a talking point.
“To be honest I haven’t spoken to the players too much about it at all, I think we’ve just tried to make it mostly about us,” Schmidt said.
“We certainly respect the Fijians and some of their players coming back from Europe and some of the ones that were in the Drua on this side of the world were incredibly impressive athletes.
“Sunday will be a little bit of the unknown but we hopefully we recognise a few things about how we want to play and recognise some good performances from the players.”
The Wallabies are gearing up to face the British & Irish Lions in the first of three Tests on 19 July.
Fiji coach Mick Byrne has named two uncapped players in his match-day squad in France-based Salesi Rayasi, plus Fijian Drua scrumhalf Philip Baselala hoping to debut from the bench.
Rayasi, who made 50 appearances for the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby before moving to RC Vannes last year, was a member of New Zealand’s sevens squads between 2018-20, before he switched allegiance to Fiji to honour his heritage.
“He’s pretty excited, obviously,” Byrne said. “Very accomplished player, very skilful. I like the way he’s been training. He works very hard off the field as well, understanding his role. That’s been very pleasing so I’m looking forward to him being able to go out there on Sunday and show everybody his worthiness of a white jersey.”
Byrne has made eight changes to the starting 15 while retaining hooker Tevita Ikanivere as captain.
Simione Kuruvoli has replaced Frank Lomani in the No 9 shirt while Bristol Bears loose forward Bill Mata starts at No 8, shifting Elia Canakaivata to the openside.
Fijian Drua’s Iosefo Masi and Racing 92 centre Josua Tuisova offer a powerful midfield foil to the Australian duo of Suaalii and Ikitau.
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper, 2. David Porecki, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Langi Gleeson, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Tom Wright; Substitutes: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Nic White, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
Fiji: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Bill Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Substitutes: 16. Sam Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Isaiah Ravula, 23. Sireli Maqala.
