Porecki gets Wallabies nod to erase Fiji demons
The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries.
Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury.
Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour.
The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations.
Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.
He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time.
Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt.
"The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule."
Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024.
Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum.
Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia.
Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline.
Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia to a historic loss to Fiji.
The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries.
Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury.
Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour.
The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations.
Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.
He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time.
Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt.
"The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule."
Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024.
Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum.
Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia.
Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline.
Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia to a historic loss to Fiji.
The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries.
Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury.
Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour.
The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations.
Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.
He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time.
Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt.
"The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule."
Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024.
Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum.
Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia.
Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline.
Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Brumbies brothers join forces in bid to be Lion tamers
Hooper brothers Lachie and Tom will link for potentially the first and last time as ACT Brumbies as the Australian rugby powerhouse club plots another Lions taming. Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, with Lachie Hooper's debut off the bench against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday. It will be the 21-year-old's first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother and Wallaby Tom, who departs for England's Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. The Brumbies humbled the Lions 14-12 on their last visit 12 years ago, becoming the first Australian club to beat them since 1971. Wary of a repeat, the Lions have reinstalled lock and captain Maro Itoje and will start Bristol firebrand Ellis Genge in the front row, while Ireland's former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen earns a homecoming from the bench. "This year they were the leading Australian team in Super Rugby (making the semi-finals), so we are fully aware of the challenge in front of us," Lions coach Andy Farrell said. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "They (the Waratahs) came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal. BRUMBIES: Lington Ieli, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Bench: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Tommy Freeman, Blair Kinghorn. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen Hooper brothers Lachie and Tom will link for potentially the first and last time as ACT Brumbies as the Australian rugby powerhouse club plots another Lions taming. Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, with Lachie Hooper's debut off the bench against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday. It will be the 21-year-old's first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother and Wallaby Tom, who departs for England's Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. The Brumbies humbled the Lions 14-12 on their last visit 12 years ago, becoming the first Australian club to beat them since 1971. Wary of a repeat, the Lions have reinstalled lock and captain Maro Itoje and will start Bristol firebrand Ellis Genge in the front row, while Ireland's former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen earns a homecoming from the bench. "This year they were the leading Australian team in Super Rugby (making the semi-finals), so we are fully aware of the challenge in front of us," Lions coach Andy Farrell said. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "They (the Waratahs) came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal. BRUMBIES: Lington Ieli, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Bench: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Tommy Freeman, Blair Kinghorn. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen Hooper brothers Lachie and Tom will link for potentially the first and last time as ACT Brumbies as the Australian rugby powerhouse club plots another Lions taming. Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, with Lachie Hooper's debut off the bench against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday. It will be the 21-year-old's first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother and Wallaby Tom, who departs for England's Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. The Brumbies humbled the Lions 14-12 on their last visit 12 years ago, becoming the first Australian club to beat them since 1971. Wary of a repeat, the Lions have reinstalled lock and captain Maro Itoje and will start Bristol firebrand Ellis Genge in the front row, while Ireland's former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen earns a homecoming from the bench. "This year they were the leading Australian team in Super Rugby (making the semi-finals), so we are fully aware of the challenge in front of us," Lions coach Andy Farrell said. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "They (the Waratahs) came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal. BRUMBIES: Lington Ieli, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Bench: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Tommy Freeman, Blair Kinghorn. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Blues stars drive despite injury cloud
Powerhouse NSW winger Brian To'o remains under an injury cloud for Wednesday night's State of Origin decider. But it would have to take something serious to keep him from pulling on the Blues jersey with three of his best mates who may have gone their separate ways in the NRL but retain a strong drive to represent their community every chance they get. To'o injured his knee playing for Penrith in their win over the Bulldogs last month but is expected to play given he scored a hat-trick in game two while battling a hamstring complaint. 'I'm not the trainer so I don't know,' teammate Stephen Crichton said, with the rest of the injured brigade set to play on Wednesday. 'But I'm pretty sure they're in today.' The decider will be the last chance for To'o, Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai to share the field as teammates this season until the Pacific Championships where they're all expected to be selected for Samoa if fit. The quartet all share a special bond having grown up in Mount Druitt before going on to win premierships together with Penrith, while they all played for Samoa in the 2022 World Cup final against Australia. To'o is the only one left at the Panthers with Crichton at the Bulldogs, Luai at the Tigers and Leniu at the Roosters, which is why they've been inseparable during the Origin camps. 'Since we don't play at each other's clubs right now, this is the opportunity that we do get to share blood and share conversations when we come back into camp,' Crichton said. 'We don't take these camps lightly. 'This is one of the camps that we get to come in and see each other's kids and their partners as well because we don't get to do it during the year. 'We don't take it lightly, and we take these opportunities with both hands.' Luai and To'o are both St Marys juniors, while Leniu (Minchinbury Jets) and Crichton (St Clair Comets) grew up playing footy for other clubs in the area. They remain passionate about inspiring the next generation of kids in western Sydney, with Crichton embracing the responsibility. 'We hold our home town to our heart every time we go out there. We aren't here without the community of Mount Druitt that gets behind us,' he said. 'Every time we run out, it's for those people out there, and they know that we represent 'Mounty' hard when we come out and represent on the biggest stage. 'We're not just playing for us and our family; we're also playing for where we came from as young kids as well. 'There was always a bad name for Mt Druitt when we were younger so now to see a lot of the boys playing NRL gives that light to the young kids that they can make it out of Mt Druitt and follow their dreams and make it with whatever job they have. 'Us boys are paving the way for those young kids to not get in trouble and to become footy players like us because it's the best job in the world.' Spencer Leniu will be cheered on in Sydney after giving it to Queensland fans in the Origin opener. Adam Head Credit: News Corp Australia That bond will be a secret weapon in the decider when Crichton goes up against Maroons rookie Gehamat Shibasaki, while Leniu gets to battle returning legend Josh Papalii in the middle. Leniu's energy off the bench has been a point of difference for every team he's ever played for, and fellow reserve Hudson Young says his fiery approach on the sidelines has helped him rip in when he's been injected into the contest. 'I love it, I think it's good for the game,' the Raiders star said. 'Any time the fans get involved (is good). For a player to do that and back his ability, I'm all for it. 'As a player running down there, it gives me the confidence to go out there and play with him.'
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
Western Force's Simon Cron, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Mac Grealy named in AUNZ invitational side
Having already impressed against the British and Irish Lions, a pair of Western Force starters — and their coach — will get a chance at an encore in Adelaide this week. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Mac Grealy will be the Force representatives named in the AUNZ squad to face the Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in their final tune-up before the Wallabies Tests begin. Force coach Simon Cron will also serve as an assistant to departing Reds and incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss. The AUNZ invitational squad, which features players from both Australia and New Zealand, was officially unveiled today following the drip-feeding of several members over the past month. Hooker Paenga-Amosa, who had an injury-affected first season out west, showed his class against the Lions in the Force's clash with them at Optus Stadium. The Wallabies front-rower helped the Force turn the tables on the Lions' scrum and after he missed out on selection for Australia's squad to face Fiji, Paenga-Amosa will have another chance to catch Joe Schmidt's eye. Grealy's selection comes after his impressive showing against the Lions, where he repeatedly threatened with the ball in hand. The outside back finished the match with a team-high 71 carry metres and nine broken tackles. Eight All Blacks have been named in the 30-man squad, and a host of Super Rugby Pacific-based Kiwi stars have also been included, such as Hoskins Sotutu. There are also nine former Wallabies in the side, including Darcy Lancaster, who impressed for the Waratahs against the Lions over the weekend and has been linked with a move to the Force. Two-time John Eales Medalist Marika Koroibete has flown in from Japan for the game after the winger struggled to impress Schmidt for the Wallabies last year.
