Cheika seeks World Cup masterstroke with teenager at centre against England

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  • Jordan Petaia has played only 100 minutes of Test rugby
  • ‘I trust him infinitely,’ coach says of youngest World Cup centre

If it turns out this is the last Australian team Michael Cheika ever picks, he is not going to be left wishing he had taken more risks. Cheika has selected 19-year-old Jordan Petaia at outside-centre. He is the youngest player to start there in a World Cup, for any team.

Petaia has played only 100 minutes of Test rugby, on the wing against Uruguay and Georgia. When he found out about it, Eddie Jones could not resist pointing out that the pressure could get to the kid. Cheika was having none it. ”I trust him infinitely,” he said. ”It’s going to be fast and aggressive but I know he will rise up to that challenge, I’ve seen it in him.”

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Written by Andy Bull in Oita
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/17/teenager-jordan-petaia-australia-england-rugby-world-cup-quarter-final under the title “Cheika seeks World Cup masterstroke with teenager at centre against England”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.