Izaia Perese must be picked ahead of Jordan Petaia for Wallabies World Cup opener

Former Wallaby Brendan Cannon says Eddie Jones should dump an established star from his opening World Cup team. In his first column, Cannon details the brave calls needed for success.

Izaia Perese of the Wallabies. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

I have always been a big fan of Jordan Petaia, but I believe it’s time Eddie Jones dropped him for the more creative Izaia Perese for the opening Rugby World Cup match against Georgia.

Petaia is a big, strong body who loves the contact, but the Wallabies will need more than that to overcome not only Georgia, but their two toughest pool opponents, Fiji and Wales, in coming weeks.

Jones should start with Perese at outside centre and use Petaia off the bench, given he can cover the centres, wing and fullback.

Brendan Cannon has called for the shock axing of Jordan Petaia. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Perese is like a second ballplayer in the backline. He is crafty and good on his feet, and can provide opportunities for those inside and outside him.

I see him as the ultimate fit for the power running of inside centre Samu Kerevi.

I see that Kerevi has had limited training this week and is in doubt for the Georgia match on Sunday (2am AEST), and there’s talk of Max Jorgensen coming into the backline. But even if Kerevi’s out, I’d still pick Perese to start alongside Lalakai Foketi.

I’d like to see Jones give Perese the chance because Kerevi should still be available for the big two games against the Fijians and Welsh, and that’s where I see the Kerevi-Perese midfield being most effective.

Izaia Perese is more creative than Jordan Petaia and deserves a starting shot. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Because Carter Gordon is the only five-eighth in the squad and has enormous pressure on his young shoulders, he needs another ballplayer in the backline and that’s where Perese is instrumental.

Andrew Kellaway at fullback can throw a nice cut-out pass when needed but Perese is the dangerous strike weapon the Wallabies will need to break open well-drilled defences who will eat up straight-running attackers.

Bringing Marika Koroibete back in for Suliasi Vunivalu is the only other change I’d make from the team that lost to France in the previous match. Koroibete is Australia’s best player and will be most influential in their campaign.

I think halfback Tate McDermott needs to start running from the base of the ruck a lot more during the tournament, to take the heat off Gordon.

If McDermott can use his running game, as he does so well for Queensland, it will commit defenders one, two and three from the ruck so they’re not racing up to hammer Gordon.

Eddie Jones chats with Izaia Perese during a training session in July. Picture: Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

I’m backing the forwards to get the job done, led by Will Skelton.

While from the outside, Skelton was a shock choice as captain, I believe it is an inspired call by Jones.

It blends the Polynesian element within the team and solidifies their unity.

A man of Skelton’s size demands respect. You’d be happy to follow him into battle.

What Australia must fix is their discipline.

I have been dismayed by how poor they’ve been in that area time and again over the past few years. Silly yellow cards and penalties will cost them dearly, because at World Cups, goal-kickers are proven matchwinners and they’ll take every opportunity at three points.

Wallabies fans can’t expect a perfect performance in the first game, but what we do expect is a fully committed effort.

I’ve been involved in a World Cup campaign with Jones in 2003. He’ll be telling the players to believe in themselves, because he and his staff believe in them.

Brendan Cannon was involved in the 2003 World Cup campaign with Eddie Jones as coach. Picture: PETER PARKS/AFP

He’ll be telling them to block out the outside noise and play with freedom, and come together in the tough moments.

The opening game of a Rugby World Cup has a completely different feeling to any other match you’ve played. This is rugby’s Olympic Games.

You’ve got to do everything in your power to keep getting selected for the next game because it is essentially seven knockout games in a row if you want to make the final, and one mistake can cost you and the entire country.

CANNO’S STARTING TEAM:

15. Andrew Kellaway 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase 13. Izaia Perese 12. Samu Kerevi/Lalakai Foketi 11. Marika Koroibete 10. Carter Gordon 9. Tate McDermott 8. Rob Valetini 7. Fraser McReight 6. Tom Hooper 5. Will Skelton (captain) 4. Richie Arnold 3. Taniela Tupou 2. Dave Porecki 1. Angust Bell.

Originally published as Izaia Perese must be picked ahead of Jordan Petaia for Wallabies World Cup opener