Wallabies name strong side as they aim to make fans ‘proud’ against Portugal

Following a record World Cup defeat to Wales last weekend, the Wallabies are seeking redemption against Portugal as they look to make their disappointed fans “proud.”

The Wallabies are set to bow out of the sports showpiece event for the first time at the pool stage after losing to the Flying Fijians and Warren Gatland’s Wales.

But with what is shaping up as almost certainly their final test at the World Cup, the Wallabies have named a near full-strength side to take on Portugal in Saint-Etienne.

“This is an important game for this young team to attack from the first minute to the 80^th. We need to empty the tank,” coach Eddie 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.”

Former captain James Slipper will surpass legend George Gregan as the most capped Wallaby at a Rugby World Cup. Slipper has been named in the starting side ahead of his 21^st appearance across four tournaments.

Slipper will start at tighthead prop alongside front rowers Angus Bell and captain David Porecki, and locks Nick Frost and Richie Arnold rounds out an unchanged tight five.

There is one change in the backrow with Fraser McReight returning to the starting side. McReight will start at openside flanker while Tom Hooper shifts back to the blindside.

Fixture

Rugby World Cup

Australia

34 - 14

Full-time

Portugal

All Stats and Data

Number Eight Rob Valetini has retained his place at the back of the scrum.

Coach Jones has made two changes in the backline with NSW Waratahs teammates Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese named in the midfield.

The talented duo replace Queenslanders Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia in an otherwise unchanged backline.

Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson will link up in the halves, and Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Andrew Kellaway make up the outside backs trio.

Playmaker Carter Gordon could become just one of four players to feature in every Wallabies Test this year if he comes off the bench against Portugal.

Wallabies team to take on Portugal

1. Angus Bell (27 Tests)
2. David Porecki (18 Tests)
3. James Slipper (133 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (14 Tests)
5. Richie Arnold (8 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper (7 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (16 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (38 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (28 Tests)
10. Ben Donaldson (6 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (58 Tests)
12. Lalakai Foketi (8 Tests)
13. Izaia Perese (5 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (10 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (25 Tests)

Finishers

16. Matt Faessler (4 Tests)
17. Blake Schoupp (4 Tests)
18. Pone Fa’amausili (6 Tests)
19. Rob Leota (20 Tests)
20. Josh Kemeny (1 Test)
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (2 Tests)
22. Carter Gordon (8 Tests)
23. Suliasi Vunivalu (6 Tests)