Star’s injury concern clouds Kiss’s first Wallabies squad
If the transition to a new coach less than 15 months out from a World Cup wasn’t hard enough, incoming Wallabies boss Les Kiss could be without one of Australia’s best for July’s Tests against Japan with Len Ikitau in doubt.
Scans are set to determine whether the star midfielder will require a minor clean-up of his ankle.
Len Ikitau of the Wallabies runs the ball. Getty Images
But it’s thought that the reigning John Eales Medallist could miss the home-and-away fixtures against Eddie Jones’s Japan on August 8 and 15.
Should he go under the knife, Japan-bound midfielder Hunter Paisami and his old Queensland Reds teammate Isaac Henry are the front-runners in the No.12 jersey.
That is despite Paisami, who was willing to play through injury during the July Tests, having a knee issue that requires surgery at some point.
Paisami’s long-time midfield partner Josh Flook - who has signed with Italy club Benetton - is another option.
The highly rated 24-year-old is recovering from a calf injury suffered in July.
Forgotten man Jordan Petaia is also expected to come back in favour under Kiss.
Whether he returns to take on Japan remains to be seen, but sources have told nine.com.au that Petaia is firmly in the picture to feature in 2026.
The versatile back spent two years under Kiss at the Reds before a stint in France and trials with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.
Petaia is now on the books of Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan.
Kiss will name his first squad on Thursday in Sydney.
James Slipper is likely to be absent with the veteran wanting younger loose-head props to come through and develop ahead of next year’s home Rugby World Cup.
Les Kiss (right) is finally taking over from Joe Schmidt (left) as Wallabies coach. nna\sworthington
That could see Tom Robertson return after missing the July Tests due to injury.
Tom Lambert and Isaac Kailea are other options.
Rising Reds tight-head prop Massimo de Lutiis is also in the mix, especially with some doubt over Taniela Tupou’s availability.
While several new faces linked up with Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies in July - including Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Joe Brial - Kiss isn’t expected to cast the net too wide for his first campaign.
The Wallabies will be wary of Japan after last year’s 19-15 win in Tokyo.
Damaging lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is likely to come back into the picture after being one of Schmidt’s biggest omissions for the July Tests.
The 29-year-old played a key role under Kiss at the Reds and was named in Super Rugby Pacific’s team of the year.
James Slipper is expected to stand down from the Wallabies for the rest of the year. Getty
It’s understood Kiss is still considering his captaincy options, with No.8 Harry Wilson the incumbent under Schmidt.
Despite Izaia Perese’s homecoming at the Reds being officially confirmed on Monday, it’s unlikely the midfielder will be rushed in unless injuries strike.
Veteran playmaker Bernard Foley is also unlikely to be rushed into the squad despite moving closer to penning a short-term deal with the Waratahs.
Kiss will likely keep faith with the halves who featured under Schmidt.
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