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.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
They wouldn't be my second rowers. Certainly not together. But Wilson, valentini and Samu are all 3rd and 4th lineout options.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That sounds awesome Jez, I have not heard of Pedro’s. Certainly I will have to check them out next time, I am glad that you had a great time. :thumbup:
ScottD
Roar Guru
Nobody except Izaak can know his personal circumstances at that time.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Maybe not over. He resisted having an operation on it so he could play in the RWC. I think he maybe should now have the operation and work to be back on deck in 12 months. But he won't be on the paddock for 2024 SR imo.
Jez North
Roar Rookie
Winter in New Zealand is glorious. Last two trips to Queenstown I stack the fridge with Speights and order a slow cooked lamb and baked verges from Pedro’s (do you know the one? They take the order and deliver next day to your door). Wash it down with a Nannygoat SuperNanny in front of a fire and all is good in the world For the royal treatment, it’s down to Te’anau for fresh wild venison. Sensational ,
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Your trio would be splattered all over the paddock - belted off the ball. Assuming locks are Skelton and Arnold you have only one line out jumper...... that should go well against France, or SA, or NZed or even England........ Even Argentina would EAT that back row.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
oz, why do some players do multiple ACLs while others have no problems at all? Possibly he'll never know why. Individual physiology plays a part. What, when and how medical intervention occurs plays a part. Sometimes it's just bad luck and genetics. I do wonder though if hard fields (including artificial turf in the US) plays a part in this injury. There's probably a thesis in it for a Physio or Sports Medicine Doctor (if not already done). If it was me I'd be having the surgery, doing my rehab and heading to Europe to play on some softer decks to take the sting out of it. It mightn't work but what's to lose?
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
That’s a real shame for Rodda and Wallabies. Excellent lineout technician.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Who with? Or just those 3?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Id say there are some who still hold it against him Tim. Id be surprised if there wasn't. 198 players did one thing and 2 did something different. There is also the possibility he holds things against some that spoke up against his move at the time too.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
6 valentini 7mcreight/wilkin 8 Wilson/gleeson with samu 20 I'd also be ok with Samu starting any of the backrow spots.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
So who’s your 6? And therefore your 7 and 8……
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I'm comfortable with Hanigan, LSL and Holloway in the second row. But please for the love of rugby keep them away from 6. (and Swinton too)
Morsie
Roar Rookie
PSDT, and most SA opensides, Courtney Lawes, The whole Argetine backrow, plenty of tweeners make great 6's and can shore up a locking position if required. Fardy played both, Tom Hooper could be a great tweener. In the absence of anyone locking down the 6 position its probably the way we'll have to go. I would like to see Valentini there and I think Wilson has earned a start at 8.
pm
Roar Rookie
Yep. Tweeners + genuine locks, not tweeners instead.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
They remain sore for a while Achilles injuries but fine once warmed up...so par for course.Gleeson has had that calf similar thing.Tighten up whilst cooling.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Crow, I wasn't casting Nasturtiums at truck builders! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: And don't take umbrellas!
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
That’s terrible news for our chances and, more importantly, for him. I am not a medical specialist but how has a major surgery been so ineffective?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
To be fair that was then Jacko, he has not had any issues then and his co players have not said anything negative. It is purely what the media and others portray as reality, I am sure if you ask his peers there no issue with him currently otherwise he would not be considered for National honours.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I am more thinking about the way he has improved both on and off the field. :thumbup: