James Slipper to set Wallabies Rugby World Cup appearance record against Portugal

Australia prop James Slipper will set a Wallabies Rugby World Cup appearance record when he runs out against Portugal at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Sunday.

The 34-year-old will play his 21st game at the global showpiece and will go past former Wallaby scrum-half and captain George Gregan’s mark.

David Porecki retains the captaincy

Slipper will start at tighthead prop as hooker David Porecki retains the captaincy while Angus Bell packs down at loosehead to complete the font-row.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has also named Izaia Perese to make his debut start in the gold jersey at outside centre alongside Waratahs team-mate Lalakai Foketi in a new-look midfield.

Perese and Foketi come into the run-on side at the expense of Jordan Petaia and Samu Kerevi, who started as the Wallabies’ centre combination in last weekend’s 40-6 defeat to Wales in Lyon.

Meanwhile, Reds loose forward Fraser McReight has been recalled to the run-on side, slotting back into the openside flanker berth. McReight is the only change to the pack, with Tom Hooper reverting back to blindside flanker.

Amongst the replacements, Josh Kemeny comes into the matchday squad and is set to make his first appearance at the World Cup.

He is joined on the bench by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, with the scrum-half joined by Carter Gordon and Suliasi Vunivalu as the backline 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.

The team

Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Nick Frost, 3 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki (c), 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Matt Faessler, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Josh Kemeny, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 Suliasi Vunivalu

Date: Sunday, October 1
Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne
Kick off: 17:45 local (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Joy Neville (Ireland)

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