Wallabies lose midfielder for rest of spring tour
Lalakai Foketi's spring tour is over, with the Wallabies try-scorer returning to Australia with a suspected leg fracture.
While the Australians fell 30-29 to France in Paris in the second match of their five-Test European tour, Foketi finished off one of the tries of the year in the 18th minute to give his team the lead.
In a brilliant team effort the Wallabies moved the ball through the backline over 95 metres to score.
However, the Waratahs midfield ace limped off six minutes later with what was described as a shin injury, replaced by Hunter Paisami.
In a blow to their campaign, the Wallabies announced on Monday that Foketi would immediately fly home to Australia. They are yet to name his replacement.
The tourists had some positive news, however, with prop Allan Alaalatoa (concussion) and fullback Tom Banks (ankle) set to be available for their match against Italy.
Opening the tour with a win over Scotland before the France defeat, the Australians will face Italy in Florence on Sunday (AEDT).
They haven't played the Italians since a 26-7 victory in 2018.
Latest Comments
Funny man.
Go to commentsWhile I thought Pollock and Willis played well and got through a ton of work, I am not sure their contributions deserved quite the level of praise they're getting. Australia were effective at the breakdown, especially in the first half, and their defence held firm against the forwards' assault. England's attack was more effective out wide (albeit with the forwards earning them the right to use that space).
For me, the most important performance for the senior England side - at least in the short term - was Will Porter. He was quick to the breakdown, made smart decisions under pressure, provided excellent support play and delivered the ball accurately. His afternoon was epitomised by his role in Langdon's try - tracking the move from Carpenter's catch, being on hand to pick up the loose ball after Carpenter missed the offload, then smartly changing direction to avoid a tackle long enough to make the long pass to Langdon and give him a walk in.
Given none of the other England scrum halves on display over the road have set the world alight, I think Porter should be given a chance against Japan, perhaps off the bench. He also has the huge advantage that England have finally committed to Marcus Smith, and Porter is now Quins' first choice 9. The understanding they have could make a material difference to England's attack.
Go to comments