Michael Cheika has added another player to the Wallabies squad to replace injured Jordan Uelese.
Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been called up to join the finalised 33-man squad ahead of the series against Ireland.
Uelese was ruled out of the series and the rest of the Super Rugby season after he suffered an ACL injury on the weekend.
Latu has played four matches previously for the Wallabies.
“Right now he’s our most-capped hooker in Australia, so he’s got that little bit of experience playing in the big match atmosphere,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
“Anaru Rangi has had a really good season with Melbourne too so he’s definitely not out of the equation. I’m just keen for the two uncapped hookers (Paenga-Amosa and Fainga’a) to have a little experience around.”
Australia will play Ireland in a three-Test series which begins this week.
The first match will be played on Saturday night kicking off at 8pm AEST in Suncorp Stadium
The second and third matches of the series will be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne and Allianz Stadium in Sydney respectively.
World No.2 Ireland are the favourites to win despite the Wallabies boasting a home ground advantage, priced at odds of $1.73 to claim victory at Suncorp.
Australia are out to $2.12.
June 6th 2018 @ 5:51pm
jameswm said | June 6th 2018 @ 5:51pm | ! Report
Fair enough
June 6th 2018 @ 5:54pm
Machooka said | June 6th 2018 @ 5:54pm | ! Report
Feel for Uelese… but happy for Latu. Although, in saying that he needs to be really disciplined. Seriously disciplined!
June 6th 2018 @ 6:13pm
cuw said | June 6th 2018 @ 6:13pm | ! Report
Seriously disciplined!
i wonder if u have noticed a trend in REDS to go with closed shoulders ?
there have been warnings and cards aplenty – and think there was one last weekend too.
not seen it from other teams ….
June 6th 2018 @ 7:40pm
Fionn said | June 6th 2018 @ 7:40pm | ! Report
Good decision.
June 6th 2018 @ 7:54pm
Paul D said | June 6th 2018 @ 7:54pm | ! Report
Good on Latu. Though I do feel these 3 hookers are all very same same. Big on the scrum, big around the park. Perhaps a good thing, but I don’t see a really strong lineout thrower among them. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Fitzpatrick probably doesn’t have the potential of these guys, and I doubt is as powerful in the scrum. He’s not someone I’d say was Test class, but he has been great for the Waratahs this year and his throwing is on point. I like Latu, but I almost think Fitzpatrick might have added a point of difference to the training squad and pushed the guys to sort out their throws. Latu has worked hard on it, so hopefully he can bring that accuracy to the fore.
June 6th 2018 @ 8:34pm
Mitcho said | June 6th 2018 @ 8:34pm | ! Report
Rembrandt that TPN said his throwing was just sorted out. His stance was wrong for his whole career. So maybe checks should call the guy to help. Might also be a good idea to give Geoff parking a call since he’s already here, can’t have too many top grade years left in the body and former lock nick bishop says he has a lot of line out ip
June 6th 2018 @ 11:57pm
Rugby101 said | June 6th 2018 @ 11:57pm | ! Report
Would think Cheika will go with the following 23 (not my selections):
Sio
Latu (only because he has at least played Test Rugby, and familiarity with Kepu)
Kepu
Simmons (for Lineout work, will be needed with limited Jumpers)
Coleman
Pocock (or Timu)
Hooper
Timu (or Pocock)
Genia
Foley
Koroibete
Beale
Rona
DHP
Folau
BPA (to start if Tupor starts)
Robertson (sigh)
Tupou
Rodda
Samu (he has to be given all that has transpired)
Phipps (sigh)
Kerevi
Hodge
June 7th 2018 @ 9:19am
The Slow Eater said | June 7th 2018 @ 9:19am | ! Report
Think that you’re about right with the first 15. I reckon he’ll put BPA on to start and will also include Hodge over DHP.
June 7th 2018 @ 9:25am
wag said | June 7th 2018 @ 9:25am | ! Report
I think that Hodge should be included SOMEWHERE, because of:
1. His long-range goal-kicking — usually essential in close Test matches
2. His long-range touch finders
3. His versatility to cover most back-line positions
Perhaps have him start on the wing with D H-P on the bench ??
June 7th 2018 @ 8:27pm
Bigtree Smallaxe said | June 7th 2018 @ 8:27pm | ! Report
Do you think Rona will be ahead of Kerevi?
June 7th 2018 @ 10:32am
stubs said | June 7th 2018 @ 10:32am | ! Report
Latu should be there full stop. He is the most underrated hooker in Aus.