Kangaroos make 10 changes; Walker debuts
By Christy Doran
Walters has made wholesale changes to the side that came from behind to beat Kiwis.
Of the 13 that started, there’s only three survivors: winger Jack Bostock, centre Kotoni Staggs and prop Keaon Koloamatangi.
There’s a few players making their debuts too, including the man wearing the No.7 jersey: Sam Walker. Walker - the Roosters premiership-winning halfback - partner Tom Dearden in the halves.
James Tedesco is the other big change. The Roosters No.1 replaces Reece Walsh in the jersey and captains the Kangaroos too.
The 33-year-old looked calm and relaxed. On Walker, he said: “He’s had a big year, he debuted for the Maroons and now the Kangaroos. He’s just excited to get out there.”
Walters makes big call
By Christy Doran
The Kangaroos have made a late change with Reece Walsh dropping off the extended six-man interchange bench. He will be replaced by dummy-half Harry Grant.
TEAMS
Australia: 1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Jack Bostock 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Bradman Best 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Tom Dearden 7. Sam Walker 8. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Lindsay Smith 11. David Fifita 12. Reuben Cotter 13. Cameron Murray 14. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 15. Jacob Preston 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Cameron Munster 19. Latrell Mitchell 21. Harry Grant 20. Isaah Yeo
Fiji: 1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Waqa Blake 4. Solomone Saukuru 5. Semi Valemei 6. Kurt Donoghoe 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Apisai Koroisau (c) 10. Mitchell Prest 11. Taane Milne 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Emosi Ravosai 16. Elijah Keung 17. Ronald Philitoga 18. Jordin Leiu 19. Apenisa Driti 20. Joseph Litidamu
Good evening and welcome
By Christy Doran
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Kangaroos’ clash with Fiji in Brisbane.
My name is Christy Doran and I will be with you on the blog. This will be your one stop shop for everything in tonight’s World Cup fixture, including the match report.
The Kangaroos are the massive favourites, with Fiji $50 outsiders with the bookies.
Kevin Walters’ men are coming off a hard-fought 24-22 win over the Kiwis. That epic encounter was more than a week ago, 10 days’ ago.
Fiji were way to good for the Cook Islands, winning 40-12.