Joe Schmidt addresses another Lukhan Salakaia-Loto omission

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is happy to deal with selection headaches that have left one experienced Wallaby on the outer, still searching for a recall.

41-Test lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto missed selection for Saturday’s Townsville clash against Argentina despite Will Skelton’s departure to resume club duties in France.

The 28-year-old was injured late in the Super Rugby Pacific season and was unable to force his way into the squad to face the British and Irish Lions, despite sensational form in three tour games against the tourists.

An unused squad member in both South African Tests, the Queensland Reds veteran was again a notable omission on Thursday when Schmidt named his side to face Los Pumas.

The coach instead shifted Tom Hooper from the back row into the second row, allowing captain Harry Wilson to return from a knee injury in the No.8.

“Once someone has got the jersey,” Schmidt said.

“Tom Hooper didn’t deserve to lose the jersey, but (flanker) Bobby (Rob) Valetini came back and played well in that last Test.

“Sometimes it’s about fitting players in that have already got the jersey, and it’s other players’ challenges to work their way in.

“It’s his challenge; he’s a smart lineout player, big athlete, there’s lots to like.”

Schmidt was also quick to mention his Reds teammate and unselected squad member Josh Canham, who starred in Bond University’s Brisbane grand-final victory on the weekend before joining the squad in Townsville.

“This time last year we didn’t feel like we had competition for places but there’s genuine competition for places in that second row now,” he said.

The coach said Wilson was fit to return after a knee injury in the side’s drought-breaking Ellis Park win was a “pinch” rather than tear in his knee.

His combination with fellow Reds star Fraser McReight and Brumbies gun Valetini will be pivotal against a team that beat New Zealand two weeks ago in Buenos Aires.

And he said 22-year-old flyhalf Tom Lynagh had shown he was ready to be thrust straight back into the starting line-up after missing two games with concussion.

The son of former World Cup-winning No.10 Michael was injured by an illegal cleanout in the ruck during the third Lions Test.

Veteran playmaker James O’Connor has shifted back to the bench.

“He’s only really started back in with us this week, but I caught up with Tom during the week,” Schmidt said.

“We went through a few of the things that we’re trying to build into our game, and he’s pretty studious, so he knows how we’re trying to play.”

Schmidt also said Allan Alaalatoa (shoulder), back in the squad, would be fit to play Argentina next weekend in Sydney.