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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to snub Will Skelton, Darby Lancaster, for South African games
A new selection method adopted by coach Joe Schmidt will leave a former Wallabies captain on the outer, while a debutant will also be dropped for the upcoming games against South Africa.
Jamie Pandaram
July 31, 2024 - 6:41PM
Rugby: The Wallabies made a hot start against Wales, drawing first blood with an incredible 100-metre try.
Will Skelton is set to miss the opening Rugby Championship clashes against South Africa, as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt adopts a patient selection model.
World Cup captain Skelton won’t be rushed back into the squad after finishing the French Top 14 season with La Rochelle just last month, but is set to be selected for the tour of Argentina following the back-to-back clashes against the Springboks.
La Rochelle's Australian lock Will Skelton will not be rushed back to face the Springboks. Picture: AFP
Rather than pick one squad for The Rugby Championship as has been traditionally the case, new coach Schmidt is set to name new squads for South Africa, then Argentina, and then the Bledisloe Cup games against the All Blacks in September as he learns more about his players, and more become available as they recover from injuries.
The same selection model was used previously years ago by Dave Rennie.
Among those also tipped to join Skelton for the Argentina trip are key forwards Angus Bell and Dave Porecki.
This is Schmidt’s first opportunity to pick Skelton, given he was still playing for La Rochelle when the Wallabies took on Wales and Georgia earlier this month, but it’s understood the coach wants him rested and firing for the tough trip to Argentina.
Former captain Will Skelton is expected to return to the side to face Argentina. Picture: Getty Images
Barnstorming winger Marika Koroibete has come into calculations, with Test debutant Darby Lancaster – who made his first international appearance in Australia’s previous win over Georgia – set to be dropped.
Japan-based Koroibete and young gun Max Jorgensen are considered the leading candidates to replace Lancaster.
Darby Lancaster made his Wallabies debut against Georgia, but won’t be retained for the South African games. Picture: Getty Images
Filipo Daugunu will be available after serving his two-game suspension for a red card offence through club rugby, while fellow wingers Andrew Kellaway and Dylan Pietsch are set to retain their spots.
Having signalled his retirement from Test rugby after last year’s World Cup disaster, Koroibete had a change of heart and has made himself available for Wallabies selection again under the guidance of Schmidt.
Marika Koroibete, pictured playing for Saitama Wild Knights, could be recalled. Picture: Getty Images
The former John Eales medallist has always been among Australia’s best performers on the international stage, and has enjoyed some of his best games against the Springboks.
The Wallabies have suffered injury blows, with star flanker Fraser McReight in danger of missing the entire TRC with a thumb injury.
Brumbies backrower Luke Reimer and the Waratahs’ Charlie Gamble are among the options Schmidt is considering, with Tom Hooper the strong contender to replace McReight in the No.7 jersey for the opening Test in Brisbane on August 10.
Fraser McReight is in danger of missing the entire TRC with a thumb injury. Picture: Getty Images
And Schmidt’s first pick as captain, Liam Wright, is still recovering from a shoulder injury and is set to miss the two games against the Boks in Brisbane and Perth. He is expected to be fit for the next two games in Argentina against Los Pumas.
New Waratahs signing Rob Leota, who missed the July series due to a hamstring injury, is a strong chance of being named in the squad having been able to return to running over the past five weeks.
Schmidt will announce his squad on Thursday afternoon, with the players to gather in Brisbane on Saturday.
https://archive.is/20240731113804/ht...3eb-1722425897
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