The Wallabies will be without three key players for the second Test due to injuries sustained in their brutal encounter against the Springboks on Saturday.
The Springboks inflicted more than just a defeat on the Wallabies during the Rugby Championship clash in Brisbane. South Africa finally broke their Brisbane curse with a decisive 33-7 victory, ending a streak of 11 defeats in 12 games at this venue, where they last won in 2013.
For Australia, the loss was not only demoralizing on home soil but also costly in terms of player availability. It has been confirmed that several key players will miss the upcoming rematch against the Springboks in Perth.
Wing Filipo Daugunu and locks Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams are set to miss the Rugby Championship rematch. Additionally, prop Taniela Tupou will be unavailable as he has traveled to Tonga for his father’s funeral.
Rugby Australia has confirmed that Daugunu fractured his fibula and is expected to miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship. Meanwhile, Frost and Williams suffered concussions from head knocks during the physical battle with the Springboks, ruling them out of Saturday’s clash at Optus Stadium. However, they are likely to be fit for Australia’s tour of Argentina.
Wallabies veteran James Slipper commented on the physicality of games against the Springboks, saying, “It’s always going to be an important part of any Test match, no matter who you’re playing. You need all 15 men on the team to be as physical as possible, but with physicality, you also need accuracy. That gives you the best chance to be where you want to be.”
WALLABIES CALL UP REINFORCEMENTS TO FACE SPRINGBOKS
In response to the injuries, coach Joe Schmidt has called up Reds recruit Josh Canham, along with Force duo Tom Robertson and Sam Carter, to strengthen the squad.
Despite the challenges, Marika Koroibete is set to return to the left wing, bringing much-needed experience and physicality as the Wallabies aim to bounce back from their heavy loss at Suncorp Stadium.
