Rugby

Three Fijians to start for Wallabies

July 18, 2019 10:36 pm

Samu Kerevi, Isi Naisarani and Tevita Kuridrani

Fiji born Isi Naisarani will debut for the Qantas Wallabies as coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his side for their opening Test of 2019 against South Africa.

The Melbourne Rebels backrower is set to become Wallaby 926 when he runs out at Emirates Airlines Park in the number 8 jersey.

Originally from Fiji, Naisarani moved to Australia in 2014 where he starred in Brisbane Premier Rugby, the National Rugby Championship and in Super Rugby for the Western Force, Brumbies and now the Melbourne Rebels.

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Other two Fijians named in the team are Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.

Kuridrani will partner Kerevi in the centres, resuming their combination for the first time since November 2017, when they faced Scotland in Edinburgh.

Kerevi is also named as the vice-captain of the Wallabies team.

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “This is an opportunity for our team. We really want to begin building momentum to take us towards our goals in 2019. The players are impatient to play at Ellis Park where our Wallabies haven’t had an opportunity to play for quite a while. We know we go into the game as heavy underdogs but most of the players have had a touch over three great weeks of training to prepare, so really they just can’t wait to get out and get into the battle. I’m feeling a lot of belief and commitment from the people in this Wallaby squad. They’ve all invested a ton of effort into our preparation and I know the 23 men selected to represent us all on Saturday will do us proud,”

The Wallabies haven’t played South Africa in Johannesburg since a 53-8 defeat in 2008 and haven’t won at the now renamed Ellis Park since 1963.

Australia are the current holders of the Mandela Challenge Plate after having retained the trophy in 2018 with both sides enjoying one win each on home soil.

Christian Lealiifano (shoulder), Scott Sio (adductor), Tom Robertson (ankle) and Allan Alaalatoa (foot) were not considered for selection due to injury.

1. James Slipper (86 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (7 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (103 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (17 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (19 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (11 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (91 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani*
9. Nic White (22 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (68 Tests)
11. Reece Hodge (33 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (25 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (58 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (30 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (3 Tests)

Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese (2 Tests)
17. Harry Johnson-Holmes*
18. Taniela Tupou (11 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (94 Tests)
20. Jack Dempsey (10 Tests)
21. Will Genia (100 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (42 Tests)
23. Kurtley Beale (83 Tests)

Australia will face South Africa at 3.05 on Sunday morning at the Ellis Park Stadium.

[Source: Rugby Pass]