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.
Bigtree Smallaxe
Guest
Do you think Rona will be ahead of Kerevi?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Totally agree, Latu should be starting.
stubs
Roar Rookie
Latu should be there full stop. He is the most underrated hooker in Aus.
wag
Guest
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 ??
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
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.
Rugby101
Guest
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
Mitcho
Guest
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
Paul D
Roar Rookie
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.
Fionn
Guest
Good decision.
cuw
Guest
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 ....
Machooka
Roar Guru
Feel for Uelese... but happy for Latu. Although, in saying that he needs to be really disciplined. Seriously disciplined!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Fair enough