Aussies back kid to survive the cauldron

TEEN star Jordan Petaia is already on the cusp of greatness, according to his Australia team-mates. Born in 2000, the year after the Wallabies won their second World Cup, the 19-year-old back faces a baptism of fire against England tomorrow. He will start at outside centre, where he has never played at Test level, in just his third international and Eddie Jones questioned how he would cope in the cauldron. ‘I’ve seen enough of him to know he can play a bit,’ said the England head coach. ‘But it’s going to be a big occasion for the boy. He’s playing a quarter-final in front of 40,000 people in Oita, where you know that you don’t get anotherther day. ‘This is the dayay and for a young player layer you can either r rise to the occasion or you can find it difficult.’ The Aussies are convinced the 6ft 3in, 15st 6lb back is ready though. Scrum-half Will Genia, who inspired Petaiaia to play the game,e said: ‘I rate Jordan very highly. He could be one of the best players in the world in the not-too-distant future.’ Centre partner Samu Kerevi added: ‘Jordan has rare talent. He is going to be one of the greats.’ Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has no fears Petaia will wilt, either. ‘I trust him infinitely,’ said the boss. ‘Yes, it’s going to be fast and aggressive and all that type of stuff, but I know that lad will rise up to that challenge. ‘He’s just a good young rugby player. He’s pretty relaxed but he’s very well prepared — that’s the one thing I’ve noticed about him, he gives off a pretty cool and chilled demeanour but he’s very well prepared in getting ready tactically and physically. ‘He’s very resilient in that manner already at a young age. He’s had a couple of injuries that have kept him out of games. ‘He’s been able to establish relationships inside the team when he’s been carrying the wallaby (Wally, the team mascot) aroundar as our youngestyou playeplayer. ‘He’sHe very wewell liked and is very cconsistent.’ PPetaia’s close family friend Matt Toomua added: ‘It’s bbeen such a wwhirlwind yeayear. He gets excitedexci both sides of the ball, which is unique for a young guy,guy loves defence and loves attack, loves the rough stuff. It’s an exciting occasion for him.’ Petaia made the squad at the last minute after full-back Israel Folau was sacked for his comments that ‘hell awaits’ gay people. Petaia’s mother, Helen, infiltrated the church where Folau was preaching and leaked details of his controversial views to the Australian media in July. Her revelations also led to the sacking of Folau’s cousin Josiah, a teacher, and she claimed she was told to ‘go to hell’ by Folau’s father.