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Saint-Etienne: Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia have been dropped for Australia’s final World Cup pool match against Portugal on Sunday (Monday 2.45am AEDT).
Following a 40-6 loss to Wales that all but ended the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign, beleaguered coach Eddie Jones has changed his midfield, bringing Waratahs duo Lalakai Foketi (No.12) and Izaia Perese (No.13) into the starting side.
Kerevi has struggled to find his best form at this World Cup, but leaving him out of a match Australia must win to restore some pride is a surprise.
Petaia, who played well in Australia’s 35-15 opening win against Georgia, has also been left out after quiet performances in the losses to Fiji and Wales.
If, as expected, Fiji beat Georgia on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT) with a bonus point, the Wallabies will go into the clash against Portugal with nothing to play for.
It would be the first time they have not progressed to the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
Jordan Petaia and Samu Kerevi after the full-time whistle in Lyon.Credit: Getty
There is some stability in the starting XV, with halfback Tate McDermott and No.10 Ben Donaldson retaining their spots.
Andrew Kellaway has been named at fullback, while Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase will again line up on the wings.
In the forward pack, back-rower Rob Leota has been dropped to the bench. Tom Hooper will wear the No.6 jersey, with Fraser McReight returning at No.7. Hooker Dave Porecki will lead the side again.
Australia are heavily fancied to beat Portugal, ranked 16th in the world, and have the added motivation of wanting to put on a show for their travelling fans at the end of a disappointing campaign.
The Wallabies’ only real hope of making the last eight is if they chalk up a bonus point in Saint-Etienne and Fiji lose their final two matches against Georgia and Portugal, which is extremely unlikely.
James Slipper, who will start at tight-head prop, is set to go past George Gregan as the most capped Wallaby at a World Cup with his 21st appearance at the tournament.
“This is an important game for this young team to attack from the first minute to the 80th. We need to empty the tank,” Jones said in a statement.
“We have a responsibility to put in a performance that makes supporters proud on Sunday, those that have travelled to France and at home in Australia.”
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match streaming ad-free, live and in 4K UHD with replays, mini matches and highlights available on demand.
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