Rugby World Cup 2023: Wallabies team revealed for Australia vs Georgia clash, Ben Donaldson starts at fullback

The Wallabies have pulled off a selection shock ahead of their opening World Cup match against Georgia, with Eddie Jones axing fullback Andrew Kellaway.

Julian Linden

2 min read

September 7, 2023 - 10:30PM

Ben Donaldson will start at fullback for the Wallabies’ opening Rugby World Cup match against Georgia in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

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Utility back Ben Donaldson has been given the all important role of starting at fullback for the Wallabies’ opening Rugby World Cup match against Georgia in Paris this weekend.

No one has been able to nail down the position since Israel Folau departed the Wallabies before the last World Cup four years ago, so Jones has given the underrated Donaldson his shot at cementing the number 15 jersey.

His surprise inclusion, at the expense of Andrew Kellaway, suggests he might take over the kicking duties from rookie fly half Carter Gordon, who had a good match but struggled with his boot in the Wallabies final warm-up game against France.

Betting heavily on youth to reinvigorate the Wallabies – who played their fourth and most recent World Cup final in 2015, Jones retained the same forward pack that started against France, but three made three chances to his the backline, calling on Donaldson plus his proven stars Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete.

Ben Donaldson will start at fullback for the Wallabies’ opening Rugby World Cup match against Georgia in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

“The Rugby World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and the players can see the opportunity that’s ahead of them over the next eight weeks,” Jones said.

“With the youngest team at the Rugby World Cup the excitement level in the group is high and we’ve had a good preparation for the tournament working hard on our game.

“All 20 teams are at the starting line now and it’s important we get off to a fast start against Georgia on Saturday night (2am Sunday AEST).”

Donaldson’s surprise inclusion comes at the expense of Andrew Kellaway. Picture: Getty Images

Kerevi, who broke his hand playing against New Zealand last month, returns at inside centre, replacing Lalakai Foketi to partner Jordan Petaia in the midfield.

Koroibete comes onto the wing for fellow former NRL tryscoring wizard Suliasi Vunivalu, who is one of four backs on the bench – a sign the Wallabies intend to attack.

While tighthead prop Taniela Tupou will make his 50th appearance for the Wallabies, 17 of the matchday 23 will play in their first ever Rugby World Cup match.

The team’s total number of caps is 343 – the least since the Wallabies demolished Namibia 142-0 at the 2003 World Cup.

Marika Koroibete starts on the wing in place of Suliasi Vunivalu. Picture: Getty Images.

The Wallabies went on to reach the final that year under Jones and despite currently being badly out of form, they fancy their chances of another deep run this time because of a highly favourable draw.

The Wallabies also played Georgia at the last World Cup 2019, winning easily against the Eastern Europeans to secure a place in the quarter-finals.