The errant behaviour of close friend James O’Connor and an injury to Nick Cummins means three-Test Wallaby Joseph Tomane faces the “weird” prospect of being Australia’s most experienced winger against South Africa next weekend.
Tomane looms as a likely starter for the match in Cape Town, as both wingers from last week’s win over Argentina are unavailable.
Cummins has a broken hand, while O’Connor has been stood down indefinitely by coach Ewen McKenzie following an incident at Perth Airport.
Those circumstances have opened the door for Brumbies winger Tomane to play his first Test on foreign soil.
The only other wingers in the squad are uncapped Chris Feuai-Sautia and Peter Betham.
Tomane 23, made his Test debut in the upset loss to Scotland last year and his other caps were gained in the last two matches of the recent British and Irish Lions series.
Bone bruising to a shoulder made him unavailable for Australia’s last two Tests.
Asked about the prospect of being the senior winger in the team despite having little international experience himself, Tomane said: “That would be weird, but those opportunities happen.
“The only thing I can do, if that opportunity does come, is embrace it and grab hold of it and do my best for my country.
“Nick was starting to find his groove and he was doing really well and he was running hard and then injuries happen, that just sucks.
“And the whole of James’ situation is really sad, but it’s presented an opportunity for me to represent my country.”
Tomane hopes his 2007 Australian Schoolboys teammate O’Connor, who has yet to sign for a local Super Rugby franchise for next year, doesn’t end up going overseas.
“I consider him a good friend of mine and he has all my support,” Tomane said.
“I guess it just goes to show that there’s no one player bigger than the team.
“There are guidelines and whether the boys like it or not we’re in the public eye.
“We have to act respectfully and be shown as good role models, to not only young children, but young adults as well, so we’ve got to make sure that we’re on our best behaviour 24/7.
“That’s just the nature of this career, but I do hope that it gets solved quickly and hopefully for Australian rugby James doesn’t leave and he’s back playing where he should be.
“He’s a super talent and he’s been great for the Wallabies.”
Louis Ferreira
Guest
No rain mate. Dry with intermittent clouds only.
Louis Ferreira
Guest
End of the year only mate.(November Tour)
Billy Bob
Guest
Johnny boy, so ' union' needs to change ifs laws? What are you going to do next? 'Fix' gridiron and the rules in Le Tour de France? It's not just about us mate or the Aussie fans' need for the popcorn stimulation that we've got used courtesy of the NRL
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
Poor old Dingo Deans certainly has left his stain on this sorry team. Where're going to get thumped so maybe it is the time to throw in a few promising youngsters. The game of union is in dire need of an overhaul of its laws. The new scrum laws are an absolute joke
Fox08
Roar Rookie
Been bad weather in the Cape. Plenty rain which could make it more of a contest than some are predicting.
Manfromhongkong
Guest
Can anyone tell me when Speight will be eligible to play for the Wallabies? He's a winger to watch for the future.
Sprigs
Guest
What great words from the young guy..
Chan Wee
Guest
For the newbies in OZ team this is the definition of Baptism by Fire : playing South Africa in Newlands !!! If the conditions are harsh then maybe that is the good part , becoz even South Africans thinks the Newlands crowd are more than hostile !!! even to the home team !!! :D
Albo
Guest
I hope that it's FS over Betham. He's got great moves but the hands of crab. I don't know if Rosario and/or Cape Town is the place for his debut. FS seems to be a calmer player and for the future of Australian rugby it could be the right time to give him a crack.
Magic sponge
Guest
No amigos