Ben Donaldson set to replace Noah Lolesio for Wallabies clash with Georgia

An experienced playmaker has lost his spot as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt experiments with his halves against Georgia, with one eye on a future opponent.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Noah Lolesio of the Wallabies looks on during the men's International Test match between Australia Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

True to his word, Joe Schmidt is making changes to his team for the Georgia clash, with Ben Donaldson to steer the team as five-eighth.

It’s understood Donaldson will partner Tate McDermott in a new halves pairing, after Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio started both Tests against Wales.

Donaldson came off the bench last week, while McDermott was left out of the 23-man squad that prevailed 36-28 in Melbourne last Saturday.

Ben Donaldson will get his chance to wear the Wallabies No.10 jersey. Picture: AFP

Noah Lolesio has been dropped for the Wallabies’ clash with Georgia. Picture: Getty Images

In further revamps to the backline, Darby Lancaster is expected to make his Test debut by starting on the wing, while Len Ikitau is set to return from injury and into the No.13 jersey, replacing Josh Flook.

Lolesio had mixed performances in both victories over Wales; making errors in attack and defence, but generally guiding the team around the park well, while his goalkicking was excellent.

But Schmidt clearly wants to see more of Donaldson, who became Australia’s starting five-eighth during last year’s World Cup after Eddie Jones dropped Carter Gordon following the shock loss to Fiji.

Western Force playmaker Donaldson is jostling with Lolesio and Tom Lynagh for the Wallabies No.10 jersey, and this will be his first chance under Schmidt to prove he should wear it.

He failed to make the 23 for the first Test against Wales, with Lolesio starting and Lynagh coming off the bench for his Test debut. Lynagh was injured for last weekend’s game, allowing Donaldson to earn a spot on the pine.

Ben Donaldson on his way to a try for the Wallabies against Georgia at the 2023 World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Following the game against Georgia in Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will be tough back-to-back Rugby Championship games against the world champion Springboks, and Schmidt will need to know who his best option is in the key position.

South Africa will use a suffocating rush defence to pressure the Australian five-eighth and midfield.

Schmidt requires a poised five-eighth who can absorb that pressure and create space in the middle channels, because the Boks won’t allow the Wallabies to play a wide expansive game.

Following the win at AAMI Park, Schmidt suggested he would tinker with the team.

“We’ve got confidence in the players we do have in the squad, there probably will be a couple of changes,” Schmidt said.

“We made five changes this week I think, and there could be that many again.

“When you try to build cohesion, it’s a little bit of a difficult equilibrium that you’re trying to find with that combination of confidence and continuity, and offering opportunity.”

McDermott gets his chance at No.9, after two fine games by Gordon in the Welsh series.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: Tate McDermott of the Wallabies warms up during the Wallabies Captain's Run at Allianz Stadium on July 05, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Gordon was man-of-the-match in the first game, then scored a brilliant try in the second.

Nic White, who came off the bench to replace Gordon in Melbourne, said all the contenders for the halfback spot are helping each other.

“I think the way we’ve been looking at it for a while now is it’s a team effort and whoever gets the nod at nine, we prepare them as best we possibly can,” White said.

“Jake’s been doing a phenomenal job for the last couple of weeks and it’s just reward for a great season he’s had as well.

“Tate’s had a great season and I think my form’s been good as well and if all three of us are training and playing well, we’re only going to push each other to further heights.

“It’s all about the team and I think that’s the place we’re in at the moment, we want what’s best for rugby in Australia.”

Originally published as Ben Donaldson set to replace Noah Lolesio for Wallabies clash with Georgia