White on bench for England encounter

By Mark Stevens
17/10/19

Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Nic White has been named in the Australia squad to tackle England in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Oita.

Having started the last two World Cup games against Uruguay and Georgia, the 29-year-old half-back will start on the bench with Will Genia handed the lead role in the No.9 jersey.

Genia’s inclusion is one of number of changes that head coach Michael Cheika has made for the match with teenager Jordan Petaia set to start at outside centre having moved inside from the wing, where Reece Hodge has been recalled after completing a three-match suspension.

Elsewhere, Genia and Christian Lealiifano form a new half-back pairing with skipper Michael Hooper also brought back into the starting XV.

Wallabies to play England

1. Scott Sio (62 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (18 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (36 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (24 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (25 Tests)
6. David Pocock (82 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (capt, 98 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (7 Tests)
9. Will Genia (109 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (25 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (27 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (32 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (2 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (38 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (91 Tests)

16. Jordan Uelese (8 Tests)
17. James Slipper (95 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (18 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (37 Tests)
20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (20 Tests)
21. Nic White (30 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (51 Tests)
23. James O’Connor (51 Tests)