Wallabies LIVE: Australia take on Fiji in first Test of the year
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12.53pm
The Flying Fijians lining up strongly
Former AFL ruckman turned rugby coach Mick Byrne is leading the Fiji team after success with the Drua and has named a very strong team in the steel city.
Salesi Rayasi the former New Zealand sevens star now playing for Vannes in France gets his debut for Fiji.
As ever, there is a strong Drua feel to the team, highlighting the strength of tried and tested combinations, particularly in the halves with Caleb Mutz and Simione Kuruvoli.
Josua Tuisova is one of the most dangerous backs in the world and will soon be a teammate of Taniela Tupou at Racing 92.
Jiuta Wainiqolo is also a star with Toulon in the Top 14.
Fiji are labelled underdogs at the bookmakers, but this is an extremely strong side who will be desperate to repeat the win over the Wallabies in the 2023 World Cup.
12.52pm
How the Wallabies are lining up
Some interesting selection decisions here by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
Veteran loosehead James Slipper will start ahead of Angus Bell and Dave Porecki is back in a Wallabies jersey at hooker after a long absence.
The absence of Rob Valetini has opened a slot for Waratahs player of the year Langi Gleeson who will relish the physical contest against the flying Fijiians.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen are back after injury interrupted seasons with NSW, with Harry Potter getting rewarded for his outstanding form for the Force.
Perennial breakdown pest Carlo Tizzano will be desperate to replace Fraser McReight and remind selectors why the number 7 Wallabies jumper isn't a foregone conclusion.
Finally, Tate McDermott gets a rare start with Jake Gordon nursing an injury and his sniping will set the Fiji team on edge.
12.52pm
Good afternoon to the true believers
Good afternoon to all of you.
The press box in Newcastle for the Wallabies first Test of the year will be some sight, after the weakened Waratahs shocked everyone with a performance for the ages against the best of Britain and Ireland last night. It kept everyone working in the wee small hours and why not?
Lions coach Andy Farrell accused the home side of their own watergate, with Waratahs coach Dan McKellar denying any water cans were used in his team's preparation in their brave 10-21 defeat.
Charlie Gamble was delivering beer eight years ago around Mascot and playing subbies on Camperdown Oval, he finished his night by completely outplaying 2022 World Rugby player of the year Josh Van der Flier.
It was the perfect entree for today's contest, the Wallabies almost at full-strength taking on a strong Fiji side in the steel city.
There is no Rob Valetini and Will Skelton who are nursing injuries that we have been told are not said to be serious enough to keep them out of the Lions series.
My decorated partner in the halves and former schoolboy rugby sensation Iain Payten is in Newcastle sending us his expert thoughts. I will be manning the blog, accompanied by my father from Belfast.
Here we go.
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