Former NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu and Brumbies surprise Tom Hooper have emerged as the standout winners of Eddie Jones’ inaugural Wallabies team for 2023. The duo have been selected to make their first Test starts against South Africa in Pretoria on Sunday (AEST). Vunivalu had a brief appearance off the bench against England last year but didn’t receive much playing time under previous coach Dave Rennie. However, Jones, a known rugby league enthusiast, sees potential in the 27-year-old despite his injury history.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan commented on Vunivalu’s selection, stating that he had only played five minutes off the bench last year but would now get a chance to prove himself. Horan revealed that Jones sees Vunivalu as an athlete with untapped potential. Vunivalu will start on the right wing, while Hooper will be positioned at No.6.
Tom Hooper, who is only 22 years old, is considered raw but highly regarded by Jones due to his size and competitive nature. Former Wallabies loose forward Stephen Hoiles mentioned that Hooper had been a topic of conversation among rugby insiders in recent months, as he impressed with his performances in Super Rugby. Although he had an injury at the beginning of the year, Hooper’s abilities as an on-baller and lineout option make him a valuable addition to the team.
On the bench, there are three potential debutants: Reds prop Zane Nonggorr, Toulouse lock Richie Arnold, and Rebels five-eighth Carter Gordon. Additionally, utility back Reece Hodge will start at inside centre ahead of Samu Kerevi, who has recovered from a minor hamstring strain and will be among the substitutes.
The returning Quade Cooper, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury last year, will take the No.10 position. La Rochelle lock Will Skelton will also start the match. Dynamic props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell were left out due to ongoing rehabilitation from long-term injuries. Co-captain James Slipper, despite suffering a knee injury in training, was named to start.
Eddie Jones expressed confidence in his team, stating that they had prepared well throughout the week and now had the opportunity to make history by defeating South Africa in Pretoria.
The Wallabies’ previous record in matches against the Springboks in Pretoria has been less than stellar, with no wins in seven attempts.
Springboks’ squad (15-1): Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach, Duane Vermeulen (c), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff
Wallabies’ squad (15-1): Tom Wright, Suliasi Vunivalu, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (co-c), Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki, James Slipper (co-c)
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
