Former captain David Porecki is back in the Wallabies team to take on Fiji after lengthy absence

The last time the Wallabies played Fiji it was a disaster and while there are some returning faces from that game there’s a lot of new for Sunday’s clash.

Former captain David Porecki will wear the Wallabies jersey for the first time in 643 days on Sunday after being named to take on Fiji in Newcastle as calf injuries ruled out a couple of star Australians.

But coach Joe Schmidt was confident both Rob Valetini and Will Skelton would be available for the opening Test against the British and Irish Lions.

The Wallabies haven’t played Fiji since the Pacific Islanders caused one of the great World Cup upsets with a 22-15 win in 2023 which eliminated the Australians and set the scene for former coach Eddie Jones’ exit.

Former NRL gun, and rugby’s $5m man, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will also play his first Test in Australia as the Wallabies officially launch their campaign ahead of three clashes against the British and Irish Lions.

Porecki was captain for the final three games of that ill-fated campaign in France, the last time he played for the Wallabies and now the Waratahs hooker joins an entirely new-look gteam under coach Joe Schmidt.

David Porecki is back for the Wallabies (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The one-off clash with Fiji looms as crucial for the Wallabies to prepare for the three-match showdown with the Lions who have already shown imposing form taking down the Western Force and Queensland Reds.

Reigning John Eales medallist as the Wallabies best player, Valetini was a notable name missing from the team after he succumbed to a calf injury with giant Skelton also missing for the same reason.

“I’d be very confident the guys will be reday to ytraing at tjhe start of the wee,” Schmidt said.

“It was probably a week too soon.”

Reds captain Tate McDermott, who didn’t play the Lions, will start at scrum-half and partner Noah Lolesio, who wore the number 10 jersey in 11 of the Wallabies’ 13 Tests last year.

“The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji,” Schmidt said.

“Sunday will be a little bit of unknown, but hopefully we recognise a few things about how we are trying to play and some good performances form players.

“We’ve got a very short runway in to this game and the games that follow. It’s all about trying to get ourselves organised to hit the ground running.”

Harry Wilson will captain the team “for this Test”, Schmidt said while another Wallaby who made his debut on last year’s spring tour, Harry Potter has also earned his first test on home soil in a backline which will include 20-year-old Max Jorgensen on the wing and Tom Wright at fullback.

The Wallabies haven’t played Fiji since the Pacific Islanders caused one of the great World Cup upsets with a 22-15 win which eliminated the Australians and set the scene for former coach Eddie Jones’ exit.

Joe Schmidt, Coach of the Wallabies (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Wallabies team to play Fiji

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

Originally published as Former captain David Porecki is back in the Wallabies team to take on Fiji after lengthy absence