Champion flanker David Pocock came agonisingly close to a Bledisloe Cup call-up before Wallabies coach Michael Cheika stepped in to make the final call.
Pocock completed all the necessary training in the lead-up to Saturday’s decider against the All Blacks in Auckland, which would have been his first match since March.
But in the end Cheika decided not to risk the 31-year-old’s troublesome calf in such a huge game with the World Cup starting next month.
He will instead play against Samoa in a farewell Test in Sydney on September 7.
What made Cheika’s decision a little easier was the first-rate performance of the Wallabies back row in their 47-26 win in Perth.
“It was so close – I called it in the end,” Cheika said on Thursday.
“We’re close to the World Cup and another couple of weeks of getting himself loaded, we will definitely see him out on the field against Samoa.”
The absence of Pocock has opened the door for a possible Test debut by young Queensland flanker Liam Wright.
The 21-year-old will be a handy ball-pilfering option, bringing energy at the back end of the game.
Cheika said Wright had trained the house down to earn his place, while had also taken on board some advice during the Super Rugby season.
“In the back half of the Super Rugby he was getting away from the squad and we gave him some tips on what would be good to see and he came good,” Cheika said.
“I know he hasn’t played with us but he’s just been competing so hard in training we thought it was a good opportunity and well-deserved.”
Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper also liked what he’d seen from Wright.
“What a game to make your debut,” he said.
“This is going to be a battle and he’s someone who can come on and add that energy and youthful enthusiasm.
“He’s fresh to this environment so what that brings with it is going to be great on the field.”
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
This is why you've long been my favourite poster, PiratesRugby. Always happy to see your contributions!
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Ozinsa .... yeah I said that .... but I added that if he injures the calf again then it will be his last test ever. It has taken 6 months to get his calf right, if it goes again then Pocock will not go to the RWC.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
But if he plays against Samoa then he doesn’t have an injury
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
No. Cheika’s comment was unequivocal - last test in Australia
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
My reputation wouldn’t get me a trip to Tokyo. Pocock’s speaks for itself
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Makes you wonder how much of a distraction the IF kerfuffle is then. I think the side have shown themselves capable of putting it aside and at least Pocock discussions are about rugby
Cadfael
Roar Guru
If a player comes in with an injury and that injury recurs, I don't think they can be replaced.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You are allowed to replace injured players. Just can’t drop someone and swap them out due to form.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Both are 7s. Hoopert to play. Our 6 and 8 give us size which we lose if Pocock plays. Pocock has to play to show his fitness whether it is for the Wallabies or Vikings, he has to have game time before the RWC.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
He has to play some games to show match fitness. Let him run around with the Vikings. Prefer he breaks down there rather than in Tokyo where we won't be allowed a replacement.
Zado
Guest
PeterK He wears Reds and 7 is his best postion.He will be off to Europe soon as Hooper has to play 7 for the next 4 years as he is being paid 6 millon dollars. We will lose another good player because of Hooper.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Pocock will play against Samoa and Hooper will be rested for that game. If Pocock comes thru that ok then he will go to Japan but will start only against the lower tier nations in our pool. Like it or not but Hooper is now the first choice 7 and captain. He will start every important match and play 80 minutes. Stop suggesting other stuff cos it ain't gunna happen. Something telling in Cheika's words "final test in Australia" ..... if the calf flares again it will be his final test cos then he will not make the RWC squad.
Stu
Roar Rookie
I'm sure Pocock's very happy to sit this match out and calculate a come back against Samoa instead. Why on earth would he risk coming back against NZ, potentially lose, then have a nation deride him for not conjuring a lone Pocock miracle on his return? It would be suicide for him, considering the amount of press and debate Hooper, Pocock and Pooper have received over the years. Lose against NZ and risk being the fall guy, or beat Samoa and be the long-awaited Prodigal Son - as he should be! Would be a very brave move.
MitchO
Guest
reputation and past performance.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I think they need to get him on the field for the game against Samoa, and that I feel will be his final game in the yellow. He has had an immense career but the work and prep required to get him fit for one game is becoming half a season.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
That isn't going to affect on field performance is it :-)
Azza
Guest
I really hope Scojo and Snoz over- rule Chekko the clown when Pocock is fit.You either have Pocock 7 Hooper out of the team altogether or start Hooper, Pocock bench. We need a big backrow with lineout jumpers. Naisirani is locked in at 8.So it all comes down to The two boys over-ruling Chekko for the 6 and 7 positions. We must never ever have a the below; Hooper 7 Samu 6 Pocock 8 or a 7 Hooper 6 Dempsey/ Hanigan 8 Pocock
Dwards
Roar Rookie
Fair comments. To be honest I'm not convinced he's ready for the big show yet - but I reckon he's a genuine long term option. Hope he has a blinder
PiratesRugby
Guest
So distracting that we put a record score on the ABs.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
He will play against Samoa. No small thing given they beat us in Aus in the lead up to the 2011 World Cup.