Prop Paddy Ryan and uncapped winger Tom English have been added to the Wallabies Rugby Championship squad, with hamstring injuries set to rule out Laurie Weeks and Joe Tomane for the first two matches against New Zealand.
Both injuries are considered relatively minor, with Weeks and Tomane each expected to be out for two to three weeks
However, that would be long enough to rule them out of the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup games against New Zealand in Sydney next Saturday and in Auckland the following weekend.
“It’s disappointing to lose Laurie and Joe at this point,” Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.
“But as has been consistent with our stance on injuries over the past year, we’re going to continue to take a pragmatic approach and give guys with issues the chance to focus solely on their rehab before re-joining the squad.
“We don’t expect them to miss more than a couple of weeks, and when they become available for selection once again, we’ll know they are healthy and ready to contribute.
“As it is with sport, injuries provide an opportunity for other guys to come through, and I’m sure Paddy and Tom are both excited about taking part in our preparations for the All Blacks.”
Ryan, who won a Third Test cap against France back in June, comes in for Rebels prop Weeks, who re-aggravated a pre-existing hamstring issue at training on Friday.
Weeks who won his first two Test caps coming off the bench against France, was drafted into the squad last Wednesday, after Scott Sio was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Ryan was called up ahead of veteran Waratahs teammate and loosehead prop Benn Robinson. McKenzie emphasised he was looking more at the tighthead side.
“It’s no secret we’re trying to build more depth at tighthead prop and the upcoming fortnight will be a good chance for Paddy to continue improving at this level,” McKenzie said.
Rebels winger English 23, comes in for luckless Brumbies flyer Tomane, who missed the three-Test series against France with a cheekbone injury.
Australian sevens representative English was one of four additional training squad members for the June three-Test series against France.
“Tom is a guy we are continually learning more about and is someone who impressed us with his attitude and abilities at training during the June series, along with being a consistent performer for the Rebels throughout the year,” McKenzie said.
Bakkies
Guest
From the TPN school of tackling?
Bakkies
Guest
Oh dear.
Bakkies
Guest
He was the rare decent one in the frightful Baxter-Dunning era. Can't recall the scrum going backwards when Holmes started.
IronAwe
Guest
Are you guys serious? I've been really impressed with English this year.
Zero Gain
Guest
Awesome player. Open your eyes.
44bottles
Roar Guru
So who comes in as the third hooker now? Fa'ainga?
44bottles
Roar Guru
Sorry, don't get the joke. Mind explaining?
Rotuma Island.
Guest
club player at least.
Toomuaforpresident
Guest
he is a Sydney boy tho
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
On what planet is greg holmes' omission from a national side a bad thing? Mediocrity...
Tarragon Fields
Guest
Everything's going to be ok, Saia Fainga'a has been called up.
Rebel
Guest
Poor bloke, didn't look good.
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
Confirmed Rebel, it is indeed a broken arm.
Rebel
Guest
I thought it was a broken arm.
Daveski
Guest
Broke arm playing for Syd Uni. Only has himself to blame.... Was terrible and reckless technique
RollAway7
Guest
English stats for 2014 is very good considering he has played in the rebels back line. He break the line s lot at only 95kg,has a great off load, speed and defence. He has played centre for the rebels but would make a good winger. Cant say the same for Ryan.
Johnno
Guest
Hooker Tolu Latu, out of wallaby camp, broke arm at wallaby training. Shades of 2012 under Deans. Bruising RC ahead.
Jokerman
Guest
Nothing average about Tom English. He has the potential to make it as a big actor one day.
Jokerman
Guest
Tom English who is he? He's probably a part time actor. Is he a registered player? If he goes down what's next? Link?
Johnno
Guest
Wallaby injury and unavailable list Forwards: TPN Steve Moore Dave Pocock Laurie Weekes Scott Sio Dave Dennis Backs: Quade Cooper Will Genia Joe Tomane centre Kyle Godwin (knee) outside back Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder), who already has played some wallaby tests Unavailable eg overseas or going overseas: Honey Badger JOC Digby Ioane Ben Mowen Kane Douglas Sitaleki Timani That's a whopping 16 players, unavailable who could push for a starting spot, or be in the 23 match day squad. And add Henry Speight and you have 17 players out, Speight is eligible in September but is battling a hamstring injury, "Shades of 2012" anyone, when we had a whopping injury list.