Mouthwatering choices await Wallabies as ‘freak’ returns to rugby
Updated . First published
The Wallabies’ chances of upsetting the All Blacks have received a major boost with reigning John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau passing a fitness test ahead of the series opener at Eden Park on Saturday.
Ikitau limped off Optus Stadium last month with what was thought to be a recurrence of the ankle injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for the opening games of Les Kiss’ reign.
Len Ikitau suffered an ankle injury in the Wallabies’ win over South Africa. Getty Images
But scans revealed only bone bruising and Ikitau took full part in Tuesday’s intense training session in Auckland.
Ikitau is set to return to the No.12 jersey and will be paired in midfield with Queensland Reds powerhouse Isaac Henry, who made his Test debut against Japan in Osaka in August.
Henry will replace Reds teammate Hunter Paisami in the starting lineup after he copped a four-game ban for a dangerous tackle in the thrilling 42-38 win against the Springboks in Perth.
Ikitau’s availability allows Wallabies coach Kiss to keep Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the left wing after he made a strong impression in his first start in the position against world champions South Africa.
It also sets up an expected mouthwatering head-to-head match-up with All Blacks superstar Will Jordan, New Zealand’s leading all-time men’s try-scorer with 55 from 61 Tests.
The Wallabies and All Blacks will both name their teams on Thursday.
Suaalii’s positional shift also leaves Kiss stacked with world-class wing options as Mark Nawaqanitawase re-enters the code and selection frame.
Max Jorgensen is a must-pick on the right wing and his NSW Waratahs teammate Harry Potter and Western Force duo Zac Lomax and Dylan Pietsch are among other highly credentialled contenders for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Nawaqanitawase, who scored six tries in 11 Wallabies Tests in 2022-23, simply has to be involved somewhere after dominating the NRL with the Sydney Roosters.
“He’s just been a freak. What he’s done in the last two years in league is probably unheard of,” Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa said.
“He’s gone over there in the space of two years and pretty much done everything, and now he’s coming back.
“When you’re adding that type of player into the squad, it automatically lifts the group, especially the boys who are in your same position. He will just naturally start demanding more from other people because of the type of competition that’s in the squad, and that only adds health to the group.
“It brings the best out of people in his position because of the type of player that he is and what he’s shown on some of the biggest stages in Australia. I think that is the type of value he’ll add to our group.”
Nawaqanitawase, 26, has signed a lucrative two-year contract with Robbie Deans’ Saitama Wild Knights, with the Japanese season kicking off in December.
Wallabies squad
Forwards: Harry Wilson (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jock Campbell, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright
Injury cover: Nick Frost
All Blacks squad
Forwards: Codie Taylor (c), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Richie Mo’unga, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Bledisloe Cup fixtures
October 10: 5.10pm kickoff AEDT at Eden Park, Auckland
October 17: 3.45pm kickoff AEDT at Accor Stadium, Sydney
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