Wallabies digest loss of their giant enforcer
Justin Chadwick |
Wallabies flyer Harry Potter says it’s disappointing to lose powerhouse lock Will Skelton for crunch Rugby Championship games against Argentina, but he’s backing the squad mentality to help them get through.
Skelton was a key player in the Wallabies’ successful two-game tour of South Africa, with Australia prevailing 38-22 in Johannesburg before falling 30-22 in Cape Town.
All four teams in the Rugby Championship currently have a 1-1 record, giving Australia a great platform to nab the crown.
But instead of fronting up against Argentina in Townsville on September 6 and against the same opponents in Sydney a week later, Skelton has been ordered back to France as his team La Rochelle prepares to host heavyweights Bordeaux in their Top 14 season opener.
Queensland’s Josh Canham has been called into the Wallabies’ squad to replace Skelton.
Rugby Australia are in negotiations to bring Skelton back in time for the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup clashes with arch rivals New Zealand on September 27 at Eden Park and on October 4 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
“Is it disappointing to lose a player that I think has been incredibly good for the last few weeks? Yeah, of course,” Potter said.
“Will was exceptional against the British and Irish Lions, and also against South Africa,
“A big loss to the team … but I certainly feel as though the people that are in the squad now are going to step up to the plate like everyone else has done.”
Another player the Wallabies will have to do without is fullback Tom Wright, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee less than four minutes into last week’s loss in Cape Town.
Wright had played a key role in the Wallabies’ famous come-from-behind win over the Springboks a week earlier, but he now faces a long stint on the sidelines.
Potter, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, is among the players in the frame to replace Wright against Argentina.
“Absolutely huge boots to fill,” Potter said.
“It’s certainly a big loss for us Playing with him is incredible.
“Some of the stuff he’s capable of doing on the field is world class, and seeing him sort of sliding through a defensive line is very impressive.”
AAP
