Joe Schmidt’s hopes of turning across the Wallabies’ equal largest loss to the Springboks on residence soil in time for subsequent Saturday’s rematch have suffered an enormous blow, with a trio of gamers, together with winger Filipo Daugunu, to overlook The Rugby Championship conflict in Perth.
Following their 26-point loss in entrance of 52,019 followers at Suncorp Stadium, Schmidt has misplaced winger Daugunu (fractured fibula) and locks Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams (each concussion).
Whereas Frost and Williams will possible be match for the upcoming two-Take a look at tour of Argentina, Daugunu’s damage will possible see him miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship.
The accidents are one other hit to the Wallabies’ depth shares, with Reds recruit Josh Canham referred to as up.
Drive-based Take a look at forwards Tom Robertson and Sam Carter can even be part of the Wallabies so as to add some additional assets following a bodily battle the place Schmidt’s younger aspect was second-best in each space in opposition to the back-to-back world champions.
Nor will the Wallabies possible have the ability to name on big prop Taniela Tupou, whose father handed away just lately.
The absence of Tupou, specifically, is a mega blow given the Wallabies’ struggles up entrance on the scrum.
Allan Alaalatoa struggled up entrance in opposition to the Springboks whereas the Wallabies aren’t possible to have the ability to name on Taniela Tupou. (Photograph by Matt Roberts/Getty Photographs)
With out Tupou, the Wallabies’ scrum was repeatedly on roller-skates.
The shortage of ahead impetus and penetration on the set-piece and typically play meant the Wallabies had been diminished to being a battering ram.
Whereas Schmidt has few choices to show to up entrance, not less than the Wallabies have a readymade substitute for Daugunu with Marika Koroibete set to return to the left-wing.
Koroibete – the one overseas-based Wallaby included in Schmidt’s 36-man squad – controversially wasn’t chosen after it was deemed that the two-time John Eales Medallist wasn’t in prime bodily form.
However given the bodily shellacking, Schmidt will all however definitely flip to the 32-year-old to offer some punch and defensive prowess on the flanks.
Elsewhere, Schmidt will possible flip to Tom Hooper so as to add some starch and flexibility within the ahead pack.
Simply who replaces Frost, one of many Wallabies’ greatest throughout their 33-7 loss, stays to be seen with Angus Blyth used all through the July Assessments earlier than lacking choice in opposition to the Boks.
Blyth and his new teammate Canham, who confirmed some uncooked physicality and talent to play up a degree throughout their quarter-final loss to the Hurricanes, will possible vie for one place within the 23-man squad.
Nick Frost will miss the Wallabies’ return fixture in opposition to the Springboks after copping a head knock at Suncorp Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Brisbane. (Photograph by Matt Roberts/Getty Photographs)
Whether or not loose-head prop Angus Bell is match to return stays to be seen, with the star 23-year-old solely just lately coming back from a foot damage.
In the meantime, Noah Lolesio will come below strain to carry onto his place after one other patchy efficiency the place the Wallabies fly-half struggled to work his means into the match after his ahead pack had been nicely crushed.
However the Wallabies weren’t helped by their wastefulness within the opening 20 minutes the place each Jake Gordon and Lolesio kicked away possession contained in the Springboks’ half.
Schmidt indicated he wouldn’t throw the toys out of the cot and immediately look abroad for solutions, saying he was assured the boys he initially picked may make some enhancements.
“I believe there’s guys who will enhance what they’re delivering,” Schmidt mentioned.
“Possibly it gained’t be improved in time for subsequent Saturday however we do must have a little bit of a long-term plan.
“We have now acquired a a lot youthful aspect than the South Africans. We’ve acquired lots much less caps, we’ve acquired lots much less expertise and, due to this fact, my perception is that if we chop and alter an excessive amount of then it’s very arduous to develop the cohesion as a result of while you exit in a sport like that you’re very interdependent and also you’re going to must be sure that everybody is aware of their position.
“I’m a realist and I do know that you just don’t immediately match up, entrance up and higher these guys however you’ve acquired to raised your self for subsequent week.”
Regardless of the heavy first-up loss, Wallabies rookie Luke Reimer mentioned there was nonetheless a perception within the aspect that they may hit again in opposition to the Springboks.
“There’s moments in that sport the place you have a look at it and go it’s attainable to beat them,” Reimer mentioned.
“On the finish of the day, it’s whoever turns up. You noticed Eire do it a few weeks in the past. Like I mentioned, on the finish of the day it’s who turns up.
“There’s positively alternative round a few of their weaknesses, you’d say. We’ve simply acquired to have a great have a look at how we are able to assault that and implement that into this week transferring ahead.”
