Team confirmed for Quarter-Final in Oita
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his team ahead of Saturday night’s do-or-die Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final clash with England in Oita.
Reece Hodge returns on the wing following a three-week suspension while rookie Jordan Petaia will start at outside centre.Christian Lealiifano returns to the 10 jersey alongside Will Genia in the halves, in what will be the first start for the pair since the Wallabies’ 16-10 victory over Argentina in Brisbane in July.
Michael Hooper will captain the side in his 99th Test after he was a late withdrawal against Georgia last Friday, while Kurtley Beale has completed the World Rugby Graduated Return-To-Play protocols to be named at fullback.
Saturday’s clash with England will be the seventh meeting between the two nations at a Rugby World Cup with the ledger even at three wins apiece since Australia’s 19-6 win at the inaugural 1987 event. The two proud nations are set for their 51st clash but the Quarter Final in Oita will mark just the third time they’ve met at a neutral venue.
The Wallabies have had a poor recent record against the Englishmen however, having lost the last six meetings since Australia’s dominant 33-13 victory at Twickenham in the pool stage of Rugby World Cup 2015.
Foxtel will showcase every Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match LIVE across two dedicated channels with no ad-breaks during play and in 4K Ultra High Definition.
All games will also be streamed LIVE and On Demand on Kayo Sports.The Wallabies v England and Wales v France Quarter Finals will also air LIVE and free on Network 10, WIN Network and tenplay.com.au.
Wallabies team to play England at Oita Stadium, Oita on Saturday 19 October, 4.15pm JST
1. Scott Sio (62 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (18 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (36 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (24 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (25 Tests)
6. David Pocock (82 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (98 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (7 Tests)
9. Will Genia (109 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (25 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (27 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (32 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (2 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (38 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (91 Tests)
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese (8 Tests)
17. James Slipper (95 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (18 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (37 Tests)
20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (20 Tests)
21. Nic White (30 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (51 Tests)
23. James O’Connor (51 Tests)
2019 Rugby World Cup
Wallabies 39 v Fiji 21 at Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan, Saturday 21 September at 2.45pm AEST
Wallabies 25 v 29 Wales at Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Sunday 29 September at 5.45pm AEST
Wallabies 45 v 10 Uruguay at Oita Bank Dome, Oita, Saturday 5 October at 3.15pm AEST
Wallabies 27 v 8 Georgia at Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka, Friday 11 October at 9.15pm AEST
