League star Koroibete gets his Wallabies chance
Australian rugby union fans will get their first sighting of Marika Koroibete when the rugby league convert starts a tour match in Bordeaux.
Former rugby league star Marika Koroibete is set to start for Australia when he makes his professional rugby union debut for a Wallabies XV against the French Barbarians on Friday (AEDT).
Koroibete, who will represent Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby after impressing in rugby league with Melbourne Storm, was a controversial selection for the Wallabies' European tour given his lack of experience in the 15-man code.
However, Australia coach Michael Cheika defended the inclusion of the 24 year-old and Koroibete's place in an experimental starting XV to face the French Barbarians has been confirmed.
Fellow rugby league convert Taqele Naiyaravoro will start on the other wing for Friday's (AEDT) game in Bordeaux.
"I didn't believe that I'm going to play alongside him again," Koroibete said. "[We've] got some good memories together, he's one of my good mates.
"It's a dream come true and hopefully we contribute to the team."
An Australian side featuring the likes of former skipper Ben Mowen and Mark Gerrard will be led by lock Will Skelton.
Wallabies XV: Luke Morahan, Marika Koroibete, Mark Gerrard, Kyle Godwin, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Jono Lance, Nick Frisby; Paddy Ryan, Nathan Charles, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Jack Dempsey, Ben Mowen.
Replacements: Andrew Ready, Sef Fa'agase, David Lolohea, Scott Fardy, Henry Vanderglas, Nic Stirzaker, Izaia Perese, Andrew Kellaway.
