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Wallabies confirm three players out of Perth Test
By Ben Smith
The Wallabies have lost three players to injury as they count the toll of their 33-7 defeat at the hands of the Springboks in Brisbane.
Left winger Filipo Daugunu, who was forced from the field in the 25th minute, has a fractured fibula which he suffered in the opening minutes.
Lock Nick Frost and reserve Jeremy Williams suffered concussions, meaning they will now adhere to return to play protocols.
Veteran prop Taniela Tupou will also be unavailable, who is headed to Tonga for his father's funeral.
Rebels lock and new Reds signing Josh Canham has joined the squad as lock cover, while Force pair Sam Carter and Tom Robertson are also reinforcements covering lock and prop.
The Wallabies have their work cut out to try and reverse the 26-point defeat at Optus Stadium in six days time.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has indicated he plans to keep the line-up the same as part of the long-term plan.
“I don’t think you can ever guarantee anything. I think South Africa will maybe change up a few personal or change up a few of the things that they did. You’re always trying to adjust,” Schmidt said.
“I think there’s guys who will improve that they’re delivering,” he added. “Maybe it won’t be improved in time for next Saturday but we do have to have a bit of a long-term plan.
“We have a much younger side than the South Africans. We’ve got a lot less caps, we’ve got a lot less experience and therefore, my belief, if we chop and change too much then it’s very hard to grow the cohesion."
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Latest Comments
Yes although they were struggling under Rennie, bringing Jones in, in the manner he was brought in, was a crazy move. Complete lack of judgement from RA. Even without the benefit of hindsight many people were saying that at that time. Very unsurprising that it blew up in their face.
I'm not sure what happened with Nucifora but losing him to Scotland was another big blow. Success has followed him around which is not a coincidence, and I thought him and Schmidt being reunited would be a big boost for rugby in Australia.
If you combine the decisions to appoint Jones, to pay millions to Suaalii even though he has never played rugby in his life and the high failure rate of converts, along with their inability to retain talent like Nucifora and Nawaqanitawase, it does not fill you with much confidence about the future.
With a Lions tour and a home world cup it seems like Australia's last chance to revive interest in the game. Sadly I don't think the current administrators have the nouse to maximise the opportunity though, and Australia are destined for permanent Tier 2 status.
Go to commentsAUD $1m = £500K GBP not so much OJ.
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