Donaldson to start for Wallabies against Wales

Thu, Nov 24, 2022, 11:41 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies faced off against the no.1 ranked Ireland side in Dublin.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has confirmed Ben Donaldson will start against Wales at Principality Stadium on November 27.

Donaldson slots into flyhalf alongside Waratah teammate Jake Gordon as part of a new-look Wallabies side following several injuries.

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Reece Hodge will fill in at inside centre, with Rennie opting to keep Noah Lolesio on the bench.

“We want to learn a bit more about (Ben Donaldson),” Rennie said.

“He only got five minutes against Italy. Initially, we were thinking of getting him on the field early and we scored late, Noah (Lolesio) kicks the conversion from the sideline and we’re down by three. When we’re down by six with five to go, we threw him out there to see what he can do.

“He’s trained really well, has got a good skill set and he’s developing the voice and the ability to boss people around. We need to see plenty of that and we’ve got familiarity with Jake playing on his inside and a fair bit of experience with (Reece) Hodge on his outside.

“We want to find out about Ben and his versatility helps in that he can play 15, certainly quick enough to play back there. We’ve got Noah (Lolesio) with a fair bit of experience to come on late.”

With just 25 fit players available for selection, Rennie has been forced into a plethora of changes following the Ireland defeat, with Darcy Swain and Matt Gibbon the squad members who miss out.

Folau Fainga'a steps into the starting side for Dave Porecki (concussion), with Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson forming a new-look back-row with Jed Holloway.

Hodge partners Len Ikitau in the centres whilst Tom Wright is preferred at fullback over Jordan Petaia.

“I think Tom Wright’s voice is massive,” Rennie added. 

“What people don’t see with Tom is the yardage off the ball, his work ethic to swing both sides, provide an extra hand and then off it’s not on, work to the other side, he’s really smart so he’ll organise guys in front of him and that’s an area Jordy needs to make some shifts.

“(Petaia) was excellent when he came on last week, the best we’ve seen him this year but he’s more suited to the wing for us but he can move back there.”

Sam Talakai is also in line for his debut via the bench with Taniela Tupou (Achilles) ruled out long-term, allowing Tom Robertson to remain as the loosehead replacement.

He is joined by the likes of Ned Hanigan, Jock Campbell and Lachlan Lonergan as the Wallabies look to end their tour on a positive note.

Wallabies team to play Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 27 November, 3:15pm GMT/2:15am AEDT (Sunday)
  1. James Slipper (c) (126 Tests)
  2. Folau Fainga’a (37 Tests)
  3. Allan Alaalatoa (63 Tests)
  4. Nick Frost (8 Tests)
  5. Cadeyrn Neville (7 Tests)
  6. Jed Holloway (9 Tests)
  7. Fraser McReight (9 Tests)
  8. Langi Gleeson (2 Tests)
  9. Jake Gordon (19 Tests)
  10. Ben Donaldson (1 Test)
  11. Mark Nawaqanitawase (2 Tests)
  12. Reece Hodge (61 Tests)
  13. Len Ikitau (25 Tests)
  14. Jordan Petaia (24 Tests)
  15. Tom Wright (22 Tests) Replacements
  16. Lachlan Lonergan (7 Tests)
  17. Tom Robertson (30 Tests)
  18. Sam Talakai*
  19. Ned Hanigan (27 Tests)
  20. Pete Samu (32 Tests)
  21. Tate McDermott (20 Tests)
  22. Noah Lolesio (16 Tests)
  23. Jock Campbell (3 Tests) *denotes uncapped

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