Wallabies set to drop young gun for must-win Wales RWC clash

Australia’s head coach Eddie Jones may be reversing his earlier strategy of betting on young talent at the Rugby World Cup.

Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that 22-year-old fly-half Carter Gordon could be left out of the starting lineup for the crucial game against Wales on Monday morning, which comes after Gordon was visibly targeted with high balls during Australia’s recent loss to Fiji.

The Wallabies are a $1.90 even money with rugby betting sites to defeat unbeaten Wales, although the British team appear to have the edge after narrowly beating the Fijians.

Jones initially snubbed veteran playmakers Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley from his squad, opting for Gordon as the designated fly-half. However, with the World Cup campaign hanging in the balance, Ben Donaldson, who was included in the squad as a “utility,” is tipped to replace Gordon.

Donaldson had been brought into the full-back position for his place-kicking skills when Carter’s performance wavered.

Assistant coach Dan Palmer did not confirm the lineup change but hinted at both options being on the table.

“We’ve got two 10s that we’re confident in and they’re pushing each other really hard,” he said.

“I think Donno brings a level of composure to that position but … we’ll just pick the guy who’s right for this weekend.”

If Donaldson moves to the fly-half position, it opens up the full-back slot for Andrew Kellaway.

“He brings experience and direction at the back of the field,” Palmer said. “He’s been around this squad before, he knows the game well, he’s a leader both on and off the field, so yeah, experience.”

Jones is already contending with the loss of two key players due to injuries, captain Will Skelton and prop Taniela Tupou. Despite these challenges, Palmer emphasized the Wallabies’ adaptability.

“We’ve got a framework that we play to that we can make slight adjustments to according to whoever’s playing, that was thought about well in advance,” Palmer said.

The Wallabies must win this clash to be any hope of advancing past the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in France, with Fiji and Wales currently in the box seat.

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