Slipper to break Wallabies World Cup record as Perese starts against Portugal

Fri, Sep 29, 2023, 7:26 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
James Slipper will add his name to the history books. Photo: Getty Images
James Slipper will add his name to the history books. Photo: Getty Images

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has named Izaia Perese to start against Portugal in Saint Etienne.

Perese will make his debut start in the gold jersey at outside centre alongside Waratahs teammate Lalakai Foketi as Jones revamps the midfield.

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Queensland Reds backrower Fraser McReight has also earned a recall to the starting side, slotting back into openside flanker.

McReight is the lone change to the pack, with Tom Hooper reverting back to blindside flanker.

Prop James Slipper will become the most capped Wallaby at a World Cup, set to play his 21st game at the tournament.

He goes past George Gregan's mark, set to start at tight-head as Dave Porecki retains the captaincy.

Josh Kemeny comes onto the bench for his first appearance at the World Cup.

He is joined on the bench by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, with the scrumhalf joined by Carter Gordon and Suli Vunivalu as the backs reserves.

“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.

“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.” 

It will be the first time the two sides meet, with Australia needing a bonus point win and a Fiji defeat to keep their finals hopes alive.

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Wallabies team to play Portugal at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne on Sunday 1 October, 5:45pm CET/2:45am Monday AEST

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)

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