Wallabies suffer injury blow ahead of Bledisloe opener
Melissa Woods |
Max Jorgensen is set for a Bledisloe Cup baptism of fire, the young gun set to start at fullback with Andrew Kellaway ruled out of the Eden Park Test on Saturday.
Kellaway suffered a calf injury at training in Auckland, joining first-choice custodian Tom Wright (knee) on the sidelines.
The NSW Waratahs speedster is the second player ruled out of the match with a calf issue, following star back-rower Rob Valetini, in another blow to Australia’s hopes of wresting back the trans-Tasman trophy they haven’t lifted in 22 years.
With Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt looking to keep his preferred centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph Akuso-Suaalii intact, he’s set to start 21-year-old Jorgensen at the back.
Having started on the wing through the Rugby Championship, it’s Jorgensen’s first Bledisloe match and comes at a venue where Australia haven’t won since 1986.
Spending time as a fullback through his junior career, Jorgensen returned to the 15 jersey as he began his Super career with the Waratahs, but hasn’t started there this season.
He put his hand up to play at 15 when Wright’s season ended with an ACL injury in South Africa, but Kellaway got the nod for the two Tests against Argentina.
“I love playing 15, but I’ve been loving playing on the wing as well – I’m happy in either position, as long as I’m playing and in the team and doing my part,” Jorgensen said at the time.
Jorgensen, who has played 15 Tests, spoke from Auckland this week about his excitement ahead of his maiden Bledisloe match.
“It’s always been a massive rivalry. I always dreamt of playing in the Bledisloe Cup, and if given the chance it would be awesome,” the Sydneysider said.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a challenge, but it’s an exciting one.”
Schmidt will unveil his team on Thursday as the Wallabies look to remain on top of the Rugby Championship standings as they bid to clinch that trophy for the first time in a decade.
It’s believed Schmidt is set to name James O’Connor to start at flyhalf after the veteran was initially told he wasn’t required for the match and flew to England last Monday.
His presence will add some much-needed experience in the absence of 45-Test Kellaway.
Filipo Daugunu or Harry Potter, who tore his hamstring against the touring Lions, are tussling to take Jorgensen’s vacant wing spot.
The Australians need to win in Auckland and at least draw in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth next month to break that long title drought.
AAP
