By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Reece Walsh has won the battle for Australia’s full-back position ahead of James Tedesco, while Kalyn Ponga has been named in New Zealand’s 19 man squad for a dramatic return from injury as the tournament reaches its knockout stage.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has made his biggest selection call of the Rugby League World Cup, retaining Reece Walsh at full-back ahead of veteran James Tedesco for Sunday’s semi-final against Samoa at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Walsh’s selection brings an end to a debate that has followed Australia throughout the tournament. Tedesco arrived in strong form after helping the Sydney Roosters secure the NRL premiership, while Walsh had spent two months out with an ankle injury.
But the 23 year old has made a compelling case for the No 1 jersey, producing a series of influential performances since returning to action.
He was outstanding in Australia’s 24-22 victory over New Zealand earlier in the competition and followed that with a man of the match display in last weekend’s 66-6 demolition of the Cook Islands, contributing to five tries.
Tedesco will instead feature among the interchange options, alongside Latrell Mitchell, who has also been named on the six man bench after missing Australia’s previous two matches. Cameron Murray returns from a calf injury, with Lindsay Smith making way.
Bradman Best retains the left centre position, while Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster will continue their partnership in the halves.
Walters knows Samoa will offer a far sterner examination than Australia’s quarter-final opponents.
“Samoa were very impressive in a physical battle which had a lot of emotion last weekend against Tonga and we know we are in for a tough contest on Sunday night,” he said.
“It’s going to be a great occasion in front of a full house at Allianz Stadium, and we’ve got to meet the occasion with our best performance of the tournament.”
Samoa have been forced into one change, with Ronald Volkman replacing Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth after the latter suffered a hamstring injury. Benaiah Ioelu is named to start at hooker, with Jazz Tevaga on the bench, although the pair could again interchange during the match. Deine Mariner also returns to the interchange after his hamstring injury.
The other semi-final promises an equally compelling contest, with New Zealand taking on Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday night.
The Kiwis have received a significant boost with Kalyn Ponga confirmed in their 19 man squad, just three weeks after breaking his forearm in the tournament opener against Australia. Ponga was electrifying in that encounter with Walsh before being forced from the competition, but his return gives New Zealand a potential game changer should they reach the final.
Keano Kini will retain the starting full-back role against Tonga, with Ponga included among the reserves. Leo Thompson drops off the bench to accommodate the Newcastle Knights star. Phoenix Crossland is also in line for a return after serving a four match suspension, although he remained among the reserves in Friday’s team update.
New Zealand will also be without winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is suspended for one match following a shoulder charge against Fiji. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named on the wing in his place.
Tonga, meanwhile, have suffered a late setback with centre Robert Toia ruled out because of a minor leg injury. Paul Alamoti comes into the starting side, replacing Toia in a significant change to the backline.
Halfback Isaiya Katoa, who played the full 80 minutes in his return from an ankle injury, will again partner Tui Lolohea in the halves. Coach Kristian Woolf had initially named the same 19 man squad that defeated Samoa 20-18, but Toia’s injury has forced a reshuffle.
The match carries added historical significance for Tonga. Their last World Cup meeting with New Zealand came in 2017, when Tonga claimed a memorable 28-22 victory in Hamilton, inspired by a hat-trick from David Fusitu’a.
With Australia’s full-back debate settled, Ponga poised for a remarkable return and Tonga seeking another upset, the semi-finals have all the ingredients for a compelling week.
Semi Finals:
Saturday 7 November: New Zealand vs Tonga 11:05 (SAST)
Sunday 8 November: Australia vs Samoa 11:05 (SAST).