Donaldson recalled to meet Georgia as Wallabies reminded of near-miss at World Cup

The man who scored 25 points for the Wallabies against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup last year is set to be given another starting role on Saturday, but the circumstances that led to Ben Donaldson’s first try – and highlights the danger of Georgia – have also been getting a replay by coach Joe Schmidt.

After Schmidt flagged more rotation in the team to meet Georgia in Sydney, Donaldson is set to take over from Noah Lolesio and start at No.10 for Allianz Stadium, according to multiple informed sources who were unable to comment due to selection confidentiality.

Donaldson started at fullback for the Wallabies in their opening clash at the Rugby World Cup in Paris last year and proved to be a key figure, scoring two tries and kicking 15 points from the tee.

It was the first win under Eddie Jones, and Donaldson’s first try was memorable given giant prop Taniela Tupou intercepted a loose pass and raced upfield, before offloading.

The clip was shown by Schmidt in Wallabies camp on Tuesday morning but not for the laughs; instead used as a reminder that the Tupou intercept only came after a Georgia break from threatening fullback Davit Niniashvili. The sliding doors version is a second Georgia try in nine minutes would have seen Los Lelos going from 21-3 down to 21-17, and with enough momentum and belief to chase an upset in the last 20 minutes.

“Joe made us aware like it was pretty close until that, if you remember when ‘Donno’ scored after ‘Nela’ [Tupou] made that break, they actually made a break [before] it,” flanker Fraser McReight said.

Halfback Nic White, who made the cover tackle on Niniashvili, said “that game could have went a very different way”.

“They could have been under the sticks,” White said.

“Luckily, ‘Nela’ picks off an offload and puts ‘Donno’ up the other end. There was a 14-point swing. That game could have been very different. And we understand that’s how close it can be with Georgia. So we’re going to have to be on our toes, and we’re going to have to be a lot better than we were last year.”

The idea of the Wallabies losing to Georgia would seem unthinkable to many unfamiliar with their relative strength, but the rugby-mad nation has long been known as the “next best” team outside the Six Nations. They have taken major scalps in the shape of Italy and Wales in 2022, and last week they finally finished the job on Jones by beating Japan in Tokyo.

Ben Donaldson scores against Georgia in Australia’s World Cup opener.Credit: Getty

“Like Joe said, it’s not an easy task going to Japan and beating Japan in Japan, so we know we’re up against it,” White said.

“This is a very good side, a very physical side. They are all professional footy players playing in France, one in Gloucester. They’re all playing top flight rugby.

“They have beaten Wales in Wales in the last 18 months. And they’ve beaten Italy. They’ve knocked some teams over, and been bloody close [against others]. And they’ve been knocking on the door of the Six Nations for a long time now as well. Any side that kind of takes them lightly … they’ll bite you in the bum.”

In other changes, Schmidt is likely to give some injured players like Len Ikitau and Harry Wilson a run, and give Tate McDermott a start. Changes in the front row stocks are also on the agenda, and rookie wing Darby Lancaster is in line for a debut.

With Tom Lynagh still battling a hamstring injury, Donaldson has got the chance to take a claim on the Wallabies No.10 shirt at Allianz Stadium. Lolesio started in the position for the two Tests against Wales but didn’t set the world on fire in Melbourne, and has opened up the door for Donaldson, who came off the bench.

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