Wallabies grapple with flyhalf injuries
Wallabies grapple with flyhalf injuries
The Wallabies are set to face France in Brisbane with a new flyhalf after injuries sidelined key players. Declan Meredith is slated to make his debut, becoming the seventh different flyhalf for the Wallabies in their last 17 Tests. This development follows calf strains sustained by both Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson during and after the recent two-point loss to Ireland in Sydney. Gordon, a prominent player in the match against Ireland, is also expected to miss the upcoming Test against Italy in Perth.
Coach Joe Schmidt has described the situation at the flyhalf position as a “curse of the 10 jersey,” noting the lack of continuity. While Donaldson’s injury is considered less severe than Gordon’s, its timing meant Schmidt had to quickly find alternative options. Meredith, at 27, is considered a late bloomer who had a strong season with the ACT Brumbies. He will be joined by Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan at halfback, and has previously played with Len Ikitau and Rob Valetini.
Team changes and strategic considerations
In addition to the changes at flyhalf, Tom Hooper is out with a shoulder injury. This absence is somewhat mitigated by the news that Hooper is joining the Queensland Reds. Nick Champion de Crespigny has been named as a reserve. The only other change to the lineup sees Tom Wright returning at fullback, moving Jock Campbell to the bench. Filipo Daugunu will complete the matchday 23 as a utility back.
The Wallabies are looking to bounce back from a 31-33 loss to Ireland. Despite winning several statistical categories in that match, including carrying further (455 metres to 379) and more often (141 to 126), beating more defenders (31 to 18), and making more clean breaks (10 to four), they conceded 12 penalties and missed crucial kicks. Gordon missed two conversions and Donaldson missed two penalties, amounting to ten points. The team also had a campaign that ended with losses.
France, the reigning Six Nations champions, will be without their record-breaking winger Damian Penaud for this Test. However, they are welcoming back nine game-fit stars from the Top 14 final. The French squad, ranked world No 4, were narrowly defeated 34-32 by Dave Rennie’s All Blacks in Christchurch in the opening round of the Nations Championship. France has made eight changes to their squad and selected a forward pack with players who have prior connections to Brisbane, including prop Moses Alo-Emile and lock Emmanuel Meafou.
Challenges and outlook
The Wallabies face a significant challenge, as France is currently on a three-match winning streak against Australia. A loss on Saturday would mark the Wallabies’ first six-game losing streak in ten years. The last time Australia defeated France was at Suncorp Stadium in 2021. Schmidt’s team, ranked world No 8, has recorded only one win from their past nine Tests.
The team’s performance against Ireland highlighted issues with composure and discipline, particularly regarding penalties. The Wallabies conceded 11 penalties in their own half, and a yellow card was issued to debutant Lachie Shaw. The team’s ability to convert scoring opportunities into points will be crucial. Ryan Lonergan, who ended the Super season with a 90% kick success rate, is a potential sharp-shooter for the team. The Wallabies will wear their Indigenous jerseys for Naidoc week, with players like Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii expected to play key roles in setting up wingers Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, and Wright.
Schmidt had considered recalling Noah Lolesio, who has not played for the Wallabies in 370 days, but decided against it due to the short preparation time and his recent season playing in Japan’s second division. Schmidt is hopeful that Donaldson will be fit to play against Italy next week, but will assess the need for reinforcements, with Bernard Foley and O’Connor currently in the country. Matthieu Jalibert, moved from flyhalf to fullback for France, will need to pass a fitness test on Friday to play.
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Source: theguardian.com
