Wallabies fine-tune World Cup preparation in USA

Dejan Kalinic

Wallabies fine-tune World Cup preparation in USA image

Toby Smith will be among the Wallabies looking to impress against United States in their last lead-up game before the Rugby World Cup.

The Melbourne Rebels prop is in line to make his Test debut when Michael Cheika's Australia face USA in Chicago on Saturday.

Smith and Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro could make their first appearances, with both named on the bench.

"Toby is an extremely humble guy, and a very popular member of the group," Cheika said.

"He's been training exceptionally well throughout our 2015 international campaign, and that along with his form during Super Rugby has earned him the right to become a Wallaby.

"Taqele is another player who has shown some good form in Super Rugby this season and has great potential. We've been watching with great interest during his World XV and Barbarians matches.

"Both players are desperate to represent Australia and we are looking forward to seeing them take their opportunity in Chicago."

Cheika has named a decent team for the Test and James Slipper will captain the Wallabies.

The meeting between the Eagles and the Wallabies is the first on US soil in almost 40 years.

It comes less than two weeks out from the start of the World Cup, where Australia face England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay in Pool A.

USA are also headed for the tournament, albeit as huge underdogs, and sit in Pool B with South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and Japan.

The Eagles suffered a blow on Thursday as forward Scott LaValla was ruled out of the event due to a fractured elbow.

Chris Wyles will captain USA against Australia in what will be his 50th Test. 

Dejan Kalinic