Suliasi Vunivalu given another chance to impress for Wallabies before Rugby World Cup
Suliasi Vunivalu has been given another opportunity to shine for the Wallabies before the Rugby World Cup starts next month.
Suliasi Vunivalu has another chance to push for a regular role in the Wallabies side after being named in Australia’s team for the Rugby World Cup warm-up Test against France in Paris on Monday morning (AEST).
The former Melbourne Storm NRL-premiership winger will line-up for just his third Test, having been recalled to Wallabies backline missing seemingly certain World Cup starters Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi.
Vunivalu’s inclusion is one four changes to the team that started in the Wallabies last-start 23-20 loss to New Zealand in Dunedin on August 5.
Joining Koroibete and Kerevi in being left out are prop Pone Fa’amausili and lock Nick Frost, with captain Will Skelton, prop Taniela Tupou and centre Lalakai Foketi elevated to the starting 15 along with Vunivalu.
“We’ve had an impressive preparation for the Rugby World Cup this week,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said.
“Improving our physical capacity has been a priority and our rugby fitness is rapidly improving and we will look to use it against France.
“To play against the tournament hosts in front of a massive crowd at the venue for the Final is perfect preparation for us.
“We are a young side, who is ambitious and in the process of developing our game.”
Wallabies: Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Richie Arnold, Will Skelton (c), Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu, Lalakai Foketi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Andrew Kellaway. Bench: Matt Faessler. Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr. Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa. Ben Donaldson.
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