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Wallabies forced into 3 changes as history looms for James Slipper

By Josh Raisey
James Slipper of the Wallabies reacts during the International Test Match between Australia Wallabies and Wales at AAMI Park on July 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt is unable to stick to a winning formula for their rematch against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, as three injuries have forced him into changes for the clash in Santa Fe.

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Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (shoulder), flyhalf Noah Lolesio (back) and fullback Tom Wright (ankle) are all casualties from the 19-20 win in La Plata last week- the Wallabies’ first win of this year’s Championship.

Jeremy Williams has come in to replace Salakaia-Loto in the pack, while Ben Donaldson and Max Jorgensen will step in in the back line, all of whom featured from the bench last week. There will be a reshuffle in the back three, with Andrew Kellaway shifting to fullback having started on the wing last week.

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The match will be 20-year-old Jorgensen’s first start for the Wallabies, while 23-year-old lock Josh Canham could make his debut from the bench.

Joining Canham among the substitutes is James Slipper, who could draw level with George Gregan as Australia’s most-capped player at the Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López.

Fixture
Rugby Championship
Argentina
67 - 27
Full-time
Australia
All Stats and Data

Looking ahead to Canham’s potential debut, Schmidt said: “Josh is a good athlete and I think he’s a really promising young player.

“He’s gone away and put some work in and some of that is just the physical grind of making sure he’s prepared for Test match Rugby…he’s built a bit of confidence through the work he’s done and we’ve built in what Josh can deliver.”

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Australia XV
1. Angus Bell (30 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (9 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (53 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (18 Tests)
5. Jeremy Williams (5 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (45 Tests)
7. Carlo Tizzano (3 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (16 Tests)
9. Jake Gordon (24 Tests)
10. Ben Donaldson (11 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (61 Tests)
12. Hamish Stewart (1 Test)
13. Len Ikitau (32 Tests)
14. Max Jorgensen (2 Tests)
15. Andrew Kellaway (32 Tests)

Replacements
16. Josh Nasser (5 Tests)
17. James Slipper (138 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (73 Tests)
19. Josh Canham (uncapped)
20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (34 Tests)
22. Tom Lynagh (2 Tests)
23. Josh Flook (2 Tests)

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B
Bull Shark 49 minutes ago
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027

I think cull is the wrong word.


I think Rassie and the senior players will be pretty open and honest with each other about their prospects for another World Cup campaign. And, ironically, I don’t think Rassie is thinking as far ahead as 2027 in terms of who is going to go.


There are likely going to be injuries too where players one would assume will be at 2027 won’t feature. Think Marx and Am and 2023.


I think the priority is really having as many players as possible in contention for a spot on the 33 by the time squad selection comes around.


I made this point a while ago, but having double World Cup winners in the setup over the next 3 years is going to be golden for the boks. It’s like having a coach in each position.


Razor was criticized for having too many coaches in his team. Rassie has more than 15 player coaches at his disposal.


I think Siya is being teed up to play the same role Duane did at the 2023 RWC. Invitation to the coaching box this coming weekend included.


I think many of the old guard are playing a role in the team that certainly does not guarantee them a 2027 place but doesn’t hurt their chances at being selected - but they will have to be the no.1 or no. 2 best in that position to be selected at that time. There won’t be any dead weight - whether old or young.


In my mind the strategy would be quite simple. Take everyone who will be over 32 by 2027 and pencil their names in right now in slot number three for their relative position. We know what they can do and they know what they need to do to be in contention for 2027.


Then ask yourself who do we have to take position no.1 and no. 2. Tried and tested or not. Find them and trial them over the next 3 years. Their job is to keep the old guys out. And the old guys job is to help them do just that.


That’s what Rassie has to do and has started well trying 48 players and 11 debutants in year one as the article mentioned (and winning).


I reckon there’ll be another 5-10 new players tried by the end of this year, particularly in November.


2024 ✅

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