Jed Holloway’s hopes of making his Wallabies debut have taken a hit with a calf injury putting him in doubt for next weekend’s Test in Perth.
The Waratahs forward has been in sensational form but he may not be available to face Eddie Jones’ England side next Saturday in Perth, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday night.
NSW teammate Ned Hanigan has been added to the Wallabies squad with Holloway struggling to prove his fitness.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will announce his team on Thursday and Holloway will be given every chance to show he has shaken off the niggling injury.
England’s star winger Jonny May could also be a late withdrawal due to COVID-19.
Jones is bracing himself for some cheeky digs from his old sparring partner Michael Cheika, but he expects current Wallabies coach Dave Rennie to take a low-key approach.
Jones and Cheika are friends, and they never wasted a chance to take a pot shot at each other while Cheika was coach of the Wallabies.
Jed Holloway of the Waratahs takes a lineout. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
It was always Jones who had the last laugh, with the 62-year-old enjoying a perfect 8-0 record against the Wallabies during his stint as England coach.
Despite Cheika’s reign as Wallabies coach ending in 2019, Jones is expecting the 55-year-old to pop up with some barbs during the upcoming three-Test series between Australia and England, which starts in Perth on July 2.
“It was always good fun against Cheika,” Jones said.
“Having that experience of playing against each other, knowing each other reasonably well and then having a bit of fun on the international stage … it certainly added a bit to the games.
“Dave (Rennie) is a very respected coach, but I don’t think we’ll have the same level of interaction that we had with Cheika.
“I see Cheika’s still on the television looking very smart. I’m sure he’s going to be making some comments somewhere along the line.”
Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi revealed this week that he has been in regular contact with Jones to receive advice about his game.
The link comes from Kerevi being a part of Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, where Jones has held a long-term consultancy role.
Jones brushed off any suggestions that him communicating with Kerevi was a conflict of interest ahead of the three-Test series.
“I don’t see any (conflict),” Jones said.
“I’m a rugby coach, I like to help players. I enjoy coaching players.”
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Yeah, that's the best squad of front rowers in the country
Lenny
Guest
Yes the Wallabies need Ned.He is the best lock ive seen since John Eales. Forget Philip Swain Frost Neville Arnold they are too short for test level. Ned is the big man to compete against the 6"8 6"10 locks in world rugby.
Bobbles
Guest
Holloway is no loss.Better players were overlooked anyway.
Double Agent
Guest
"And let’s not forget that very poor and ultimately hubris laden series of TV commercials." I've already forgotten them. Since the advent of the fast forward button I rarely watch commercials. Plus my massive daily intake of cheap lager makes a memory that is barely adequate!! :shocked: :laughing:
Tez
Roar Rookie
bugger
Prince Symbol
Roar Pro
Thank goodness Hanigan was selected. World class player should be in the starting tight-five. I was starting to worry that the selectors were no better than the average ill informed parochial fan with an anti NSW agenda... there i said it... i feel better
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Whilst on the subject of cocky comments can we stop being hypocritical with calling Jones out. A good deal of the mud flung in the past was green and gold coloured. And let's not forget that very poor and ultimately hubris laden series of TV commercials.
The Selector
Roar Rookie
Yeah just signed with the Rebels for 2 years. I am liking the way the Rebs front row is coming together. Rangi, Uelese, Eloff, Fa'amausili, Gibbon, Talakai, Orr
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Is Talakai back playing in Oz?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“I see Cheika’s still on the television looking very smart”? Am I the only one seeing Jones still on the television and looking very smug?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Why is that a problem? I’m sure players from different clubs/countries talk all the time. Shane Warne famously helped leggies from all countries all the time
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I saw that. Sorry for Harry. He’s worked hard this year to improve and would very likely have scored some test minutes at some point
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I love that shot of Holloway. A unique part of our game where big blokes fly.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
“Jones brushed off any suggestions that him communicating with Kerevi was a conflict of interest ahead of the three-Test series. “I don’t see any (conflict),” Jones said.” I’m speechless
JC
Roar Rookie
Wallabies socials are also reporting that HJH has suffered a long-term Achilles injury this week and has been replaced by Sam Talakai. The tighthead prop curse continues …
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
We are all hoping he is smart enough :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Why would Cheika want to be reminded of his coaching record against Jones? We are all hoping he is smart enough to keep it zipped
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Jones still looking for attention, I will not get it from Rennie so now I rely on Cheika. He really is a lonely man looking for some sort of inter reaction, I wonder if Cheika will call his bluff and praise Jones.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Ahh thats a real shame for Holloway if he misses out .... but I still expect him to play a part in this series and the RC.