The Wallabies are set to be boosted by eight new faces joining their Spring Tour squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with France.
Australia has opened with contrasting victories over Wales and Scotland, but has been hit by injuries to key members – leaving coach Michael Cheika with a decision on whether to shake up the team ahead of Saturday’s clash at Stade de France.
Seven members of the Barbarians team which has been playing in Europe in the past fortnight, as well as versatile playmaker Jono Lance, will join the team in Paris.
Lance is the only member of the new brigade not to earn a call-up to play for the Barbarians in the past fortnight.
But the need for another playmaker in the developmental Australian side set to face the French Barbarians on Thursday week led to the 26-year-old being released from pre-season training by the Western Force.
The new additions provide a timely boost for Cheika, who is closely monitoring the injury status of impressive young lock Adam Coleman who suffered a medial ligament strain to his left knee in the win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
There was some good news on Sunday as Coleman was spotted walking unaided and with no brace on his knee – though with a noticeable limp.
He is expected to learn of the results of scans taken on Saturday by Monday morning, but could well have been rested for the France game regardless of his injury situation.
Certainly, there is potential for a team shake up for the 23 to take on France if coach Cheika prioritises the grand slam fixtures against Ireland and England.
Props Toby Smith and Paddy Ryan, hooker Andrew Ready, lock Sam Carter, halfback Nic Stirzaker and outside backs Luke Morahan and Taqele Naiyaravoro are the seven who have been in camp with the Barbarians.
Morahan was considered unlucky not to have made Cheika’s Spring Tour squad in the first place – with winger Marika Koroibete earning a spot despite not having played a second of rugby union since joining from the Melbourne Storm after this year’s NRL grand final.
The 26-year-old Morahan scored a brace of tries in last week’s 31-all draw with the Springboks at Twickenham.
While all seven are expected to be available for the fixture against Les Blues, they are more likely to face the French Barbarians the following Thursday in Bordeaux.
That fixture is also expected to be Koroibete’s first in Australian colours.
“We had always planned to bring in these players for the France week after the seven lads wrapped up with the Barbarians,” said Cheika.
“Five of the players have Test experience for the Wallabies and while it’s good to bolster our numbers ahead of the Wallaby XV game against the French Barbarians, we may consider them for selection against France this weekend.”
Additional touring party members
Sam Carter, ACT Brumbies, 13 Tests
Jono Lance, Western Force, uncapped
Luke Morahan, Western Force, 2 Tests
Taqele Naiyaravoro, NSW Waratahs, 2 Tests
Andrew Ready, Queensland Reds, uncapped
Paddy Ryan, NSW Waratahs, 3 Tests
Toby Smith, Melbourne Rebels, 4 Tests
Nic Stirzaker, Melbourne Rebels, uncapped
Paul
Guest
Put it this way. Kellaway was going to be holidaying in Mexico had he not gone on tour. Much the same as the other guys not involved in the Wallaby setup. So they are not only continuing training, but you are also understating the importance of being involved in the higher level structures and getting insight into how it's run. It's not just a holiday. And Rugby is not cricket.
Celtic334
Guest
I think they will Team to play French baabaa's Slipper (c) Hanson Smith Carter Skelton Fardy McMahon Dempsey Frisby Lance Naiyaravoro Godwin Naivalu Koroibete Morahan Tupou Ready Ryan Douglas Mumm Stirzaker Kellaway Perese Some players like naivalu, mumm, McMahon to get limited time as I can see them being involved in coming games
Celtic334
Guest
You do realize these player are called in to play the French barbarians next Thursday? Get off your soapbox
Bakkies
Guest
exactly
cuw
Guest
tnkx , Tupou it is . looks like ur forgetting the crux of the matter. these are guys on a rugger-tour. not sight seeing. if they are not getting game , then it is just a holiday. and dont just say by being in the environment and practicing they will improve. no amount of dummy runs matter as much as even 10 minutes in an actual game in anger. ask anyone who has played cricket, what help 24/7 net sessions does in a test if u have not played a competitive game? very little. i wonder how many remember when auzzy cricket team under Steve Waugh took just 14 on tour , saying the 15th man hardy got game time . and that was a champion outfit , unlike the current auzzy rugger team !!!
PiratesRugby
Guest
Why not play a back row of Fardy, Pocock and Timani? Genia, Cooper and Hodge? Folau at OC? DHP at FB? Might work.
Paul
Guest
Latu can, and has played. I think you mean Tupou. People complain that the coach is too wedded to the old boys and no forward planning with the younger generation occurs. Then when it does people complain it's all to expensive..... I imagine flights were covered by the Barbarians (world rugby?) anyway, so a few extra rooms on top of what they already have booked out is nothing really..
cuw
Guest
my thought exactly. is the squad like 40 now? also find it funny that one guy - Latu cannot play a single game becoz he is not qualified. its ok if u have millions like England , but if not then that is a very expensive holiday package charged to ARU.
Charlie Turner
Guest
That was dripping with sarcasm!
Rotuma Island
Guest
why not give Godwin, Naivalu, Koroibete, McMahon, Latu a chance.
Bakkies
Guest
Fine to say this, but a cash strapped ARU has to justify this as there are players in the current squad who haven't played yet.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Considering Paddy Ryan was a permanent reserve until Ben Robinson's eye injury this year, he sure has moved forward. I am a Tahs fan and I must say in his defence that in SR2016 and NRC he has improved out of sight since May this year. I'm more pleased for Toby Smith and the two wingers getting a run, as well as Nick Stirzaker. I would have thought Q.Cooper was 5/8 for the French Barbarians game with Jono Lance perhaps getting the last 30 minutes. I don't know if Jono will get to international class but he has a hell of a field kicking and controlling game. Perhaps he can show B.Foley and Quade how to recognise open space and kick short bombs into that area while your hungry chasers follow up. And please, don't feed me rubbish that poor Bernard didn't have time because of the rush defence. A.Cruden and the bloke from Highlanders don't seem that rattled to up-in-your-face defenders that they can't do short kicks as a potent attack weapon.
Daveski
Guest
James, Paddy had a solid Super Rugby season whenever he received game time and established in the NRC that he's not only one of the better props in Australia ( to you that may be a case of sad but true ) but also a good leader. Dunno how many tests he might end up playing but my point is he's an improved player from two seasons ago, particularly scrummaging. Good to see Jono Lance in there and this reunites the "Pentagon" on tour, the shared Bondi pad of Phipps, Foley and Lance
ScottD
Roar Guru
Good to see Jonno Lance get a place in the squad. Let's hope he stays uninjured
rebel
Guest
You make two points and get both completely wrong, here's some bullet points thoroughly detailing why. a. Alan Alaalatoa b. Rory Arnold c. Adam Coleman d. Nick Frisby e. James Hanson f. Dane Haylett-Petty g. Reece Hodge h. Marika Koroibete i. Sefanaia Naivalu j. Luke Morahan k. Lopeti Timani l. Jono Lance m. Andrew Ready n. Nic Stirzaker o. Toby Smith
Gus
Guest
Not sure what you are talking about? 6 of the new 8 are not Tahs?
Dat Mavis
Roar Pro
I bloody hate how Cheika: a. won't give anybody new or fringe a chance b. won't look outside of the Tahs for new players We may as well change the Wallabies jersey back to blue and play all the games in St Leonards.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Sam Carter and Paddy Ryan. Uggghhh
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Keen to see how Stirzaker goes if he gets a chance. We need another HB.