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The Wallabies’ World Cup hopes have suffered a setback, with towering lock Izack Rodda ruled out of the tournament.
The 26-year-old, who featured prominently in the 2019 campaign, has re-injured his foot.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones confirmed The Roar’s story on Friday.
“Yeah, that’s bad luck for him. He’s had those couple of foot injuries. He’s just reaggravated it. Unfortunately, he won’t participate in the World Cup,” Jones said.
Having re-injured his foot in the Western Force’s pre-season match in Brisbane, Rodda chose not to have surgery in the hope that it would come good in time.
While he returned at the end of the Super Rugby season, playing two matches, Rodda is believed to have suffered another setback at Wallabies training on Tuesday in Sydney.
Rodda’s injury comes as no surprise. It’s understood the hard-working lock had barely been able to train in recent months.
Making matters worse, Matt Philip picked up a calf injury at training on Friday and was later seen wearing a moon boot. What the severity of the injury is remains to be seen, but given the Wallabies’ first Test is two weeks away it’s likely he could miss the start of the tournament.
Rodda’s injury setback is one of the reasons why Richie Arnold, the French Top 14 winner, has been brought home by Jones.
The lineout caller is one of two overseas locks set to feature throughout The Rugby Championship by Jones, with Will Skelton also set to be given a chance.
The Wallabies have other options, with Nick Frost firmly in the plans while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has returned home to Australia after a season with Northampton Saints.
Brumbies utility forward Tom Hooper and Waratahs forwards Jed Holloway and Ned Hanigan are also options.
Jones will name a 33-man squad for the first two Tests of The Rugby Championship on Sunday, with as many as half-a-dozen injured players, including Taniela Tupou, to also be named in a rehabilitation group.
The Wallabies are also sweating on the fitness of Samu Kerevi and Andrew Kellaway, with the backs not training all week. Jones said he expected them to be available for training next week.
Jones held an open session on Friday morning at Coogee Oval, where the Wallabies wore their club rugby jerseys.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.