The Wallabies have sent home in-form playmaker Matt Toomua from their European tour in another major blow to the strife-torn backline.
The tough and skilful inside centre is flying back into Australia on Thursday after suffering a hamstring strain in training at Edinburgh.
He finished the Tuesday session but scans have shown a low-grade strain which has ruled him out of this weekend’s Test against Scotland and the tour finale against Wales in Cardiff.
It’s the latest in a string of blows to the Wallabies backline, which was in scintillating form in the past two wins over Italy and Ireland.
Toomua had been a major key to that as a perfect foil to five-eighth Quade Cooper, but now Australia will sport a completely new three-quarter line.
They were already without incumbent wingers Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Cummins, stood down for staying out late drinking in Dublin last week, as well as suspended outside centre Tevita Kuridrani.
Kuridrani was slugged with a five-week ban for a dangerous tip tackle on Irish flanker Peter O’Mahony in the 32-15 win at Aviva Stadium.
It means the Wallabies will sport a severely patched-up backline against the Scots, with players being forced to line up out of position.
Coach Ewen McKenzie believes his side will handle the adversity but was disappointed for Toomua, a five-eighth with the Brumbies, after becoming a revelation at No.12.
“Matt has had a fantastic season and has done a terrific job for the Wallabies in a new position,” McKenzie said.
“It’s extremely disappointing to lose him at this point and not have him available for our final two games.
“However, he’s shown all the positive attributes we want in our players and we are looking forward to seeing him use his international experience to continue his development during the Super Rugby competition next year.”
The hard-tackling and big-kicking player’s injury won’t affect his start to the 2014 Super Rugby season.
Brumbies teammate Christian Leali’ifano had been the most likely to replace Kuridrani at No.13, but he may now move back to No.12 in place of Toomua.
Coach Ewen McKenzie may be forced to move superstar Israel Folau from fullback to plug a gap at wing or outside centre and promote Bernard Foley to fullback, or choose Mike Harris at No.13.
Rookie Chris Feauai-Sautia is a certainty to start, probably on the wing but maybe at No.13, as is Brumbies flyer Joe Tomane.
NSW winger Peter Betham has received an SOS and will join the 32-man squad on Thursday, but is unlikely to play at Murrayfield.
Showing the lack of backline players left available, reserve halfback Nick Phipps may be required to sit on the bench and provide wing cover.
Dasher
Roar Guru
I agree. Although I have read Betham will be too jet-lagged for the game, so they'll need to sort out another 14.
Lyns
Guest
Its quite obvious. 11. J. Tomane 12. CL 13. CFS 14. Betham 15. Folau Why is there so much talk of picking players out of position when there is already the right guys for each position. Maybe even fly Ben Tapuai over as well.
Roland Chan
Roar Rookie
This game has gotten a lot more interesting over the last week. Australia should still win comfortably, barring inclement weather.
William Tell
Guest
Leave Folau at the back from where he made such powerful insertions in the Irish game. It would not be helpful to move him just as he seems to be settling into the fullback role so well. If it aint broke...
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Sorry guys but I'm opting to look for positives. :) IF we can roll Scotland at Murrayfield with our makeshift team, then the confidence should soar. ;)
Scot Free
Guest
So finally we get some reason for optimism then the wheels fall straight off again. This week's squad will be an incredible patch job and another embarrassment at the hands of Scotland will be a real possibility before we even ponder our chances against Wales. Sure is tough being a WB fan!
Harry Jones
Expert
This is a big blow. Toomua has been one of the big reasons Quade has been so good. I like Toomua's running style; and he has a great boot on him. This is such an unlucky year for OZ!!!!!!
jutsie
Guest
cooper, betham, CL, tomane, CFS, Izzy. a CL/TOmane centre combo would at least know each others games a bit. Hasnt tomane played a few games for the brums at 13? or you could go cooper, tomane, harris, CFS, Izzy, Foley or CL at 15. the combo of harris/CFS has experience and foley/CL can slot into 12/10 to take pressure of QC as playmaker
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
CL to 13 would be an absolute embarrassment. Would dent CL's confidence. CL needs play at 12 to relieve the pressure on QC. Folau would be an ideal option, as Cheika has hinted he'll be played there next year. He has adapted quick to the game, the only concern would be the defensive positioning. If not, CFS should be given an opportunity to shine. Worst case scenario, Horne to be flown over to cover 12 and 13.