Why Marika Koroibete was ruled out of Wallabies' clash with All Blacks

Dual international Marika Koroibete has been ruled out of this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup Test at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. Koroibete suffered an injury during last Saturday’s 31-28 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney which has since seen the winger’s wrist swell up.

Koroibete failed to fire during a 63-minute performance at Accor Stadium. The former Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm flyer in the NRL dropped the ball twice against the All Blacks, with the visitors eventually holding on for what was a tense win on the road.

While the Bledisloe Cup is no longer up for grabs, the Wallabies have turned their focus to what they would consider a crucial Test against their arch-rivals. But, in the week leading up to the clash, the Aussies have suffered a couple of tough blows.

Three-Test outside back Max Jorgensen has returned home to Australia after failing to recover fully from an illness the youngster picked up in Argentina. Jorgensen was replaced by Darby Lancaster in the squad, who himself has only played one match of international rugby.

Coach Schmidt has handed Dylan Pietsch his maiden start on the Wallabies’ wing after the unfortunate injury to Koroibete as well. Koroibete has started the last four Tests on the left wing but that streak has come to an end ahead of an intriguing match in New Zealand’s windy capital.

“He hurt it during the game, it swelled up flying across. It wasn’t too bad post-game. Morning after, it was pretty uncomfortable and swelled up on the flight across,” Schmidt told reporters on Thursday when asked about Koroibete.

“We have had it scanned and there’s no serious damage but it’s still quite inflamed, quite uncomfortable and he’s not ready to play.

“He wasn’t fully right to train and do any contact today. If he’s not right today, it’s a risk for the weekend and Dylan Pietsch had done well coming off the bench,” he added.

“We’ve got confidence in the squad, and we’re trying to grow the squad and grow the depth so it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up and give it their best shot.”

Following the Wallabies’ three-point loss to the All Blacks last weekend, some fans have questioned whether Koroibete should continue to start for the national team. Koroibete carried the ball eight times for more than 30 metres but has still come under fire.

Australia have some quality options to choose from in their outside backs, with Andrew Kellaway getting the nod on the other wing. Jorgensen, Lancaster and Olympian Corey Toole are also in the mix to appear on the edge – Filipo Daugunu is currently injured.

But, the idea that the Wallabies should’ve considered dropping Koroibete is not one selectors had to consider. The injury ruled the winger out before the coaching staff had the opportunity to weigh up their options for Bledisloe II.

“It’s a moot question, really,” Schmidt explained.

“We haven’t had to come to that decision because it was a state of flux anyway with the wrist injury and he was ruled out today.

“It became a moot point.”