Jordan Petaia to make Australia debut against Uruguay
Michael Cheika has named the matchday squad for the upcoming game against Uruguay
©PA
Australia head coach Michael Cheika has handed Jordan Petaia debut in the upcoming World Cup game against Uruguay to be played in Oita on Saturday.
The 19-year-old will start at wing and has overcome a lisfranc injury and a hamstring injury to make a much-awaited debut with his inclusion being among the 12 changes made by Cheika from the game against Wales.
Dane Haylett-Petty shifts from fullback to right wing with Kurtley Beale returning at 15 while Tevita Kuridrani and Matt Toomua form a centre partnership. There will also be return for Christian Lealiifano, who takes over the kicking responsibility from Bernard Foley while Nic White stars at scrum-half.
Skipper Michael Hooper retains his place in the line-up and will be part of a new back-row comprising of Jack Dempsey and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto with Adam Coleman and Rob Simmons in second-row.
James Slipper will join Allan Alaalatoa at prop with Folau Fainga’a at hooker. Taniela Tupou comes to the bench that also has Jordan Uelese, Rory Arnold, David Pocock, Will Genia, James O’Connor and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Australia starting line-up: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Jordan Petaia, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Nic White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 David Pocock, 21 Will Genia, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Adam Ashley-Cooper
