Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Joe Schmidt explains surprise omission of Wallaby Marika Koroibete

Marika Koroibete poses during an Australia Wallabies Portrait Session on August 05, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images for ARU)

Coach Joe Schmidt has explained the absence of Marika Koroibete from the Wallabies’ team to take on the Springboks by revealing the dual-international “wasn’t quite ready” after only recently joining the new-look group in camp.

ADVERTISEMENT

Koroibete, 32, hasn’t played for Australia since the win over Portugal during the pool stage of last year’s Rugby World Cup. The Panasonic Wild Knights winger was overlooked for the July series with the coaching group only selecting Australia-based players.

But with the two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions South Africa coming Down Under to start The Rugby Championship, Schmidt and the other coaches pulled the trigger by calling Koroibete into the squad along with Paris Olympian Corey Toole.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

There’s no denying that both Koroibete and Toole could do a job in a Wallabies jersey but both men will have to wait at least a week to showcase their skill. Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright will form a familiar outside backs trio on Saturday afternoon.

With one-Test speedster Dylan Pietsch also named to come off the pine, there was no room in the matchday 23 for Koroibete, Toole or NSW Waratahs whiz Max Jorgensen. That may have come as a surprise to some but Schmidt believes it’s the right call.

“Marika wasn’t quite ready. This week was about orientating him and getting him back up to speed. I think Marika will be available beyond this week but this week was a little bit too soon,” Schmidt told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.

“Marika and I had a chat at the start of the week. It’s a little bit the same with Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen, those guys who are fresh in this week – it’s a whole new language to learn. Just to get comfortable in the systems, it’s just to give them enough time really.

ADVERTISEMENT

“(Marika has) fit in really well. He’s a character, Marika, around about the place in a really positive sense. He has a real sense of the game that allows him to get involved in the right moments. He works hard across the field.

“I’ve always thought coaching against him that he’s an absolute handful. He’s a guy that we have a lot of respect for.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
1
Draws
0
Wins
4
Average Points scored
13
29
First try wins
80%
Home team wins
40%

It’s the same story for another key member of the Wallabies’ squad as Angus Bell continues to near a return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Bell hasn’t played since the seventh round in Super Rugby Pacific due to a toe injury.

But Schmidt didn’t want to rush Bell’s return. That is a big blow for the Wallabies who are also missing Taniela Tupou because of personal reasons. Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Zane Nonggorr are the four props who have been picked.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Angus felt that as well. He’s another guy who’s in a really good position to offer more,” Schmidt said.

“I had a chat to Angus just after training today. I thought he trained really well. His confidence in his fitness and his readiness is increasing so it’d be great to be able to get him back into the picture as well.

“One of the dangers, I think, is being so anxious to get someone back involved, you put them in when they’re not quite ready, and no one really wins on the back of that.

“The guy who’s had the position so far and is working hard, he’s still trying to earn his place and then the guy who’s coming, if he’s not quite ready and not quite at the peak of his confidence then you probably lose out either way.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Tobias Burch 1 hour ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

GrayHat Hacks Contractor Reclaimed My BTC in Hours

Mid last year, I thought I had stumbled upon a golden opportunity when I joined an online investment group promising substantial returns through rare NFTs. I was thrilled to invest my 1.5 BTC, valued at approximately $90,000 at the time, toward a significant venture. The group’s website appeared polished, featuring impressive testimonials and a “secure escrow” system for transactions. Confident in their credibility, I transferred my BTC to their designated wallet, anticipating the delivery of a valuable NFT. However, days stretched into weeks with only vague excuses, and then the site disappeared entirely. My wallet was empty, and the realization hit me hard: I had been duped by a sophisticated scam, losing the savings I had earmarked for my dream music studio.

In a state of panic and despair, I searched online for solutions and discovered GrayHat Hacks. Their team responded promptly. They outlined their approach, explaining that they would employ blockchain forensics to track my BTC, despite the scammers’ use of a mixing service to obscure the trail. Their team meticulously analyzed the transaction ledger, utilizing advanced algorithms to group wallets and detect patterns. After several hours of diligent effort, they successfully retrieved my BTC. Their transparency throughout the process was reassuring.

That 1.5 BTC represents more than just currency; it’s the foundation of my music studio vision, and GrayHat Hacks restored it when I had nearly lost all hope. For anyone caught up in a dubious investment scheme, they offer an invaluable service. Their expertise in blockchain technology, paired with genuine client support, sets them apart. You can reach them via email at gr ay hathacks @ con tractor . net or Whatsapp +1 (843) 368-3015

78 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING ‘Current form doesn’t matter’: Commentator on potential All Blacks midfield ‘Current form doesn’t matter’ in All Blacks race
Search