The Wallabies have opted for experience in their front row to face Fiji this weekend, with former captain David Porecki called back into the team, 643 days since he last pulled on a gold jersey.
Porecki, 32, was named on Friday in the starting XV for Sunday’s Test in Newcastle, alongside all-time cap record holder James Slipper and 80-Test tighthead Allan Alaalatoa, in a forward pack missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries.
Porecki last ran out for Australia at the ill-fated 2023 Rugby World Cup, then didn’t play at all in 2024 due to separate Achilles and calf issues, but has got the nod from coach Joe Schmidt to return to the international fold at McDonald Jones Stadium.
He captained Australia to a historic loss the last time Australia met Fiji; he is one of nine players backing up from that clash at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s recovery from a fractured jaw is complete and the 21-year-old will partner inside centre Len Ikitau, reestablishing a combination from the Spring tour. The game against Fiji will be Suaalii’s first Test on home soil.
No 8 Harry Wilson will again captain the team, while Tate McDermott starts at scrumhalf, partnering with Noah Lolesio. Winger Max Jorgensen returns from an ankle injury and Harry Potter has been selected on the right flank.
“The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji,” Schmidt said.
“I think the players and the wider management are keen to get under way, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule.”
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The Wallabies are gearing up to face the British & Irish Lions in the first of three Tests on 19 July.
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper, 2. David Porecki, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Langi Gleeson, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Tom Wright; Substitutes: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Nic White, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
