The Wallabies’ preparations ahead of the Lions series have copped a massive blow, with two of the team’s biggest and most physical forwards picking up calf injuries in recent days.
The Roar understands both Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, who missed much of the dreaded World Cup campaign, including the 22-15 loss to the Flying Fijians in Saint Etienne in September 2023, with a calf issue, have tweaked their calves ahead of the Wallabies’ first Test of the year.
The injuries mean both are likely to miss Sunday’s Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It could have them racing the clock for the July 19 Lions opener in Brisbane, too.
Will Skelton is in doubt for Sunday’s opening Test with a calf injury. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
It’s believed French-bound Waratahs loose-forward Langi Gleeson will start in place of Valetini in the back-row alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson. Carlo Tizzano, the hard on-ball Force flanker, is likely to be included on the bench.
While Tom Hooper could be in line to come in for Skelton, who was expected to come off the bench.
Rising flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who was forced off late in the first half of the Reds’ qualifying final loss to the Crusaders last month because of a concussion, is another who is set to miss the clash as he recovers from a hand injury.
The injuries come at a frustrating time for Joe Schmidt because the clash against Fiji, which has World Rugby rankings points on the line ahead of the World Cup draw later this year, was being viewed as a dress rehearsal for the Lions series.
It means Schmidt could head into the Lions series with several of his regular players undercooked, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw) and Max Jorgensen (leg).
The Waratahs duo is at least expected to be named in Schmidt’s Wallabies side on Friday, but their lack of game time, in particular Suaalii, who is expected to feature in the midfield, is a worry given they will come up against a battle-hardened Lions team who will have had six matches to prepare for the Test series opener.
Rob Valetini is understood to be out of the Wallabies’ first Test of the year. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
The Wallabies are expected to announce Tate McDermott at No.9 in the absence of Gordon, while fit-again Noah Lolesio is primed to play outside of him.
Len Ikitau is likely to resume his midfield partnership with Suaalii, while Harry Potter is expected to feature on one wing. Tom Wright is set to wear the No.15 jersey. Ben Donaldson, who featured in the tour opener last weekend for the Force, and Filipo Daugunu are also in line to get minutes too.
Up front, there are expected to be any surprises given hooker Matt Faessler (Reds) and Taniela Tupou (Waratahs) were released early to play for their provincial sides.
Force lock Jeremy Williams is also likely to resume his second-row partnership with Nick Frost.
