Joe Schmidt addresses Lions fears as three Wallabies stars ruled out of clash with Fiji in Newcastle
Updated . First published
The Wallabies' preparations to play the British and Irish Lions have been dealt a big blow with three of Australia's best players missing from the team sheet to play Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday.
Lock Will Skelton, flanker Rob Valetini (both calf) and halfback Jake Gordon (hamstring) are all dealing with niggling injuries from training.
But Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt declared all three senior players were on track to be fit for the first Test against the Lions in Brisbane on July 19.
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Will Skelton of Australia at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Getty
"They're doing great. Will and Bobby (Valetini), they trained well, albeit not with the side but they're hitting some good speeds and their movement's good," Schmidt told reporters at a press conference in Newcastle on Friday.
"Jake trained with the side today, so he's very close to being able to - if it was the last game of the season and we were desperate to have Jake - but we've got Tate (McDermott) and Nic (White), so we're not desperate around nine anyway. So Jake will work his way back through there.
"But I'd be very confident all three of those guys will be ready to train at the start of the week for that first lead in to the British and Irish Lions first Test. But for this week, it was probably a week too soon."
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Skelton was Australia's captain at the 2023 Rugby World Cup but was left heartbroken after being ruled out with a calf injury.
Valetini has won the last two John Eales Medals for his consistent excellence while Gordon is the starting No.9 and in the team's leadership group.
The star trio's setbacks have opened up starting opportunities for Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson and McDermott in what is Australia's only Test before tackling the might of the Lions.
Australia's Harry Wilson lifts the Ella-Mobbs Trophy following a late victory. Getty
No.8 Harry Wilson has been retained as captain.
"The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said.
"I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule."
NEW PODCAST! Star flanker Fraser McReight joins the boys live from inside Wallabies camp as they prepare for their clash against Fiji on Sunday
Hooker David Porecki will return to the Test arena 643 days since he last pulled on the Wallabies jersey.
Porecki's last Test was as captain at the ill-fated 2023 World Cup.
As expected, exciting Waratahs backs Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (broken jaw) and Max Jorgensen (ankle) have recovered from injury and will start at outside centre and on the left wing respectively.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs receives treatment for an injury before being stretchered off. Getty
Meanwhile, former Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi will make his debut at fullback for a Fiji team coached by former AFL player Mick Byrne.
Fiji beat the Wallabies in their last clash at the 2023 World Cup.
"I think they have a different approach and program. They'll be just another Wallabies team that's prepared really well - they've got a good coaching group, and they'll bring the intensity," Byrne said.
Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes scores a try at Sky Stadium. Getty
"I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago. I think they'll be focused on Sunday's Test, and we'll be ready for that."
Kickoff on Sunday is at 1.30pm AEST.
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Langi Gleeson, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
FIJI (15-1): Salesi Rayasi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Eroni Mawi
Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala
