The Wallabies have suffered a double blow ahead of their tour finale against England, losing in-form centre Tevita Kuridrani to injury and slumping to their equal lowest ever ranking.
Kuridrani was hurt early in the second half of Saturday’s 26-23 loss to Ireland in Dublin and tests on Monday confirmed the 23-year-old suffered a low grade syndesmosis injury.
The Fijian-born centre will remain with the squad in London this week but his unavailability for Saturday’s match at Twickenham will hit Australia’s hopes of avoiding their worst spring tour since 2005.
The Wallabies will head into the match with their pride dented further by slipping to fifth in the rankings on Monday following back-to-back losses, with England climbing above them into fourth following a 28-9 win over Samoa.
It matches Australia’s lowest position since the rankings were introduced in 2003.
Brumbies star Kuridrani has been arguably the Wallabies’ form player in recent months, scoring in three of the past six matches and causing havoc in opposition defences with his power and pace.
He arrived at training in a moon boot in London on Monday afternoon and coach Michael Cheika will weigh up how best to replace one of his key attacking weapons in the coming days.
The injury could pave the way for Kurtley Beale to start against England, after the controversial utility replaced Kuridrani off the bench against Ireland.
Another, more likely, option is Adam Ashley-Cooper shifting in-field from the wing, allowing Henry Speight to retain a spot on one wing and Joe Tomane or Rob Horne to return on the other.
Australia are out to avoid losing three spring tour Tests for the first time in nine years and Saturday’s clash takes on added significance ahead of the sides meeting in the group stage at next year’s World Cup.
“You can certainly treat this match as a warm-up game for that World Cup match,” Ashley-Cooper said on Monday.
“The reality is that’s seven or eight months away, but we do have England at Twickenham in the World Cup so this gives us a really good understanding of what it’s going to be like.”
Australia’s only loss of last year’s European tour came at the hands of England, with a late, controversial try to Owen Farrell handing the hosts a 20-13 win.
“There were a couple of decisions at the end that didn’t go our way but that’s life,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“It was a hard and physical encounter like they always have been when I’ve been here.
“They’ve always come down to five or seven points and that game was no different.
“It’s the last game of our year and it’s really important we finish on a good note before we pick up together again prior to a rugby World Cup.”
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Kuridrani should've been an IRB player of the year nominee this year imo. He's had an outstanding season.
Markus
Guest
How is Barritt's defense at outside centre? Having a very strong front-on defense doesn't automatically translate to having the vision and co-ordination to manage a defensive line from 13.
JimmyB
Guest
Well you'd think so wouldn't you, but I'm beginning to wonder.
JimmyB
Guest
One break-one try. That's a pretty good conversion rate wouldn't you say?! ;)
RebelRanger
Guest
A shame we don't get to see Kuridrani and Tuilagi go at it. Hopefully next year on a dry pitch.
RobC
Roar Guru
36 has been a shocker Colin. Toomua is going to line him up again. Here is the first time - in a Brumbies Lions match: http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/o/h/5/e/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.2oh2k.png/1371593679980.jpg 36 was a big contributor to AB points, ,and loss in the game 2. Able to point them out to you
Colin N
Guest
I doubt the midfield will be exposed in defence, as Barritt is an outstanding defender and Twelvetrees is a big lump who also makes his tackles (apart from that shocker on Toomua last season). However, Lancester seems unwilling to play someone like Jonathan Joseph at outside centre and instead put Barritt out of position because of his defensive strength and that just stagnates the England attack. You had to feel sorry for Ford on his first start when he had to play with Farrell and Barritt outside of him last weekend.
Colin N
Guest
Yeah, one break in his international career. Great.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Maybe the ARU need to hire someone who specifically deals with the mental state of the players and working on that side of things alongside the actual rugby coach.
SandBox
Roar Guru
Think Tomua did enough to retain his spot, but with Ceika's man love of Beale we may see Beale/AAC centre pairing. Feel sorry for the wingers with AAC's lack of passing
redbull
Guest
I was more thinking about their immediate fortunes for this weekend against England. But, hard to see them getting out of the pools next year in all honesty. The Welsh have to win one day...
formeropenside
Guest
Yeah, but we are stuck with the Cheika/Hooper/Beale combo until at least the world cup.
redbull
Guest
The biggest issue for mine is that the Wallabies rarely put in good back-to-back performances. They played pretty well against Ireland...
formeropenside
Guest
not racked by infighting - meaning the coup succeeded, I assume
Pete
Guest
Haha thanks for the chuckle. "Far more successful and beneficial..." How do you judge that? There have been no toxic elements in the team this tour, oh wait they flew him in last week...
Wal
Roar Guru
Rankings are pretty volatile from 3-5 at present. WB's can't go lower than 5th this weekend but a big win and they leap over both England and Ireland into 3rd.
MrT
Guest
I agree everything starts up front but the way they are playing at the moment, I'm not sure that's really true - so much side to side (unearned side to side). I hope not a Tahs backline (and I'm probably a Tahs supporter as much as any team) I was never a Quade Cooper fan but I would like to see him start at 10. Seemed to me last week that defences aren't so sure what he's going to do - Foley might be steady but he's predictable. I'm ready to give QC another chance (I'm sure he'd be so relieved to learn of my benevolence!!)
Ads
Guest
A shame for Kuri, but it's always about the scrum. AAC will be fine at 13.
formeropenside
Guest
Hooper to 13? I think he is more a blind wing a la Cummins (or more recently, AAC), but thats one option that also allows Hodgson in the pack and a functioning lineout, at least until Skelton comes on.
dr katz
Guest
things are always the darkest before dawn.... I saw a lot of things I liked compared to the last 3 games. Will we beat England? Dunno - 50/50 as both teams are struggling in some ares and good/improving in others. As for next years RWC... who knows what'll transpire in the next 10 months.