Teenage kicks for Wallabies in ‘grand final’ with Uruguay
>> OITA: Nineteen-year-old Jordan Petaia will hope to make an immediate impact for Australia when he makes his long-awaited debut in a “grand final” against Uruguay at the Rugby World Cup today.
The hulking teenager, named on the left wing, has twice seen his international debut delayed by injury but he will finally get his chance as Australia look to bounce back from their defeat by Wales and move towards the quarter-finals.
The gulf between the teams is large, with Australia sixth in the rankings and Uruguay well down at 18, but Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is taking no chances against a team that handed Fiji a shock defeat.
He’s called for more muscle from a rearranged back row, improved concentration, and better handling to provide width on attack — where Petaia will be lurking in his first start.
“There’s not many guys that get to make their debut in a World Cup so he’s blessed with the opportunity,” Cheika said. “I know he’s a fine young man and he’ll take the opportunity with both hands for sure.”
Australia lie third in Pool D, a point behind Fiji but with a game in hand. They have made 12 changes from their 29-25 loss to Six Nations champions Wales.
Fiji, who were beaten by Australia after leading for much of the match, and were then upset 30-27 by Uruguay, face unbeaten Wales in their final pool game.
After their narrow defeat by the Welsh, the pressure is on the Wallabies to get maximum points from their remaining games against Uruguay and Georgia.
“Essentially, now it’s grand final week for us,” said prop James Slipper.