Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits he will have to rethink his election abroad after three tests against England after revealing that blockchain Izack Rodda faces three months on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Rodda, a regular in the tests, had previously hoped he could take part in next month’s tests against Eddie Jones’ touring team, but now the Western Force star is likely to miss those tests and the next one. rugby championship.
Rennie on Sunday named a 35-man squad for the England series, with the Japanese trio Quade Cooper, Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi the three overseas selections Rennie has allowed under the Giteau Act.
But the coach acknowledged that one of the trio could make way after the July series for one of France-based strikers Rory Arnold or Will Skelton to fill the gap left by Rodda.
“It simply came to our notice then [than expected]; he could be out for up to three months, ”Rennie said of Rodda, who was one of the best Wallabies last year.
“The question [with selecting the France-based players to face England] is that they played quarterfinals overnight [and getting] clarity on when they are available. It’s easier to leave these guys out of the English series and maybe take a look back after that. “
Rennie hinted that NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu was close and said he was “confident” that the Queensland Reds’ out-of-contract winger would remain in Australian rugby beyond this season.
“We have chosen him for his great potential and we believe he can accelerate development within the field,” he said. “He’s had problems with injuries; we’ve seen real quality vision; we’re looking forward to putting it in our hands.”
Rennie said Reece Hodge’s varied form and “creepy start to the season” counted against him, while Matt To’omua’s international career seems to be over after he too was ignored for the team.
Former Reds number 7 Fraser McReight was another notable omission, Rennie did not want to bring another specialist to the bench behind captain Michael Hooper and preferred to release McReight to appear in Australia A in the three Pacific Nations Cup matches.
NSW Waratahs striker Jed Holloway and Dave Porecki, the favorite to start as a hooker, are also in the national team for the first time in the national team, and the 33-year-old Brumbies are closing in on Caderyn Neville.
Tighthead Pone Fa’amausili and Brumbies second rower Nick Frost are the other two players without a chapter selected.
Cooper, James O’Connor and Noah Lolesio are the chosen game creators, with Rennie confident that O’Connor will be in shape despite knee and hamstring problems.
His Reds teammate Taniela Tupou is hoping to overcome his knee injury to play, while Kurtley Beale will return to Australia after his French rugby stage, but was not considered for hamstring problems. and calves.
The group will meet on the Sunshine Coast from Thursday, with the opening at Perth’s Optus Stadium on July 2 before the second test at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on July 9 and a decisive potential at the Sydney Cricket Ground. on July 16th.
Wallabies Team: Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Angus Bell, Quade Cooper, Pone Fa’amausili, Sailing, Nick Frost, Jake Gordon, Michael Hooper (c), Jed Holloway, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Rob Leota, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Cadeyrn Neville, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, David Porecki, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright.