A year ago Carter Gordon wasn’t even a regular for the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. Now, he looks set to take centre stage for the Wallabies across the road at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
After twice appearing off the bench, The Roar can reveal the 22-year-old is poised to wear the No.10 jersey in the Wallabies’ Bledisloe opener against the All Blacks, replacing veteran Quade Cooper.
Sources have told The Roar the Rebels playmaker is set to be one of several changes to Eddie Jones’ side, with 24-year-old livewire Tate McDermott shaping to be Gordon’s partner in the halves.
Gordon’s Rebels teammate Andrew Kellaway is set to play fullback, with Jordan Petaia in the frame to start alongside Samu Kerevi in the midfield. There is expected to be a place on the bench for Izzy Perese.
If indeed that is the case, it will be the same Queensland midfield pairing that lost to the Jones coached England side in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final.
While co-captain Michael Hooper had hoped to be fit for the Wallabies’ last Test on home soil before the World Cup, it’s unlikely the veteran Waratahs flanker will be rushed back from a calf injury.
As such, Jones could turn to the fit-again Tom Hooper in a bigger back-row. Where that leaves Fraser McReight remains to be seen.
Up front, Jones looks like he will spring a surprise and name Angus Bell to start ahead of James Slipper.
Bell made a strong impact off the bench against Argentina in his first match in six months.
His powerful running game was on display, making a strong carry in the second half to get the Wallabies well over the gain line as they looked to run down the Pumas.
Without Taniela Tupou, the lack of ball-running forwards has him in the frame to start ahead of Slipper, with the co-captain likely to come off the bench.
That could see Jones forced to name another captain to lead the Wallabies onto the MCG, as they attempt to snap their 21-year losing Bledisloe streak.
McDermott, who surprisingly did media duties on Tuesday despite facing reporters as recently as Friday, took over the Wallabies captaincy when Slipper left the field midway through their 34-31 loss against Argentina earlier this month.
He said ensuring urgency around the breakdown and putting constant pressure on the All Blacks’ decision-makers, which meant winning the collision contest, was the key to success.
Jones had hinted in the lead up to the Bledisloe week that changes could be afoot.
“I came into the job with the intention of getting the team ready for the World Cup given the short period of time, so that’s always been the intention,” Jones told reporters on Saturday.
“These games, as important as they are and certainly against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup we treat it with the utmost importance, I’ve got to find out who the best 33 is for Australia and this is just part of the process.”
After consecutive defeats very few people are giving the Wallabies a chance of ending their horror run against the All Blacks.
While the selection of McDermott and Gordon could be viewed as a sink-or-swim scenario, both players built throughout the Super Rugby season.
Crucially, they will give the Wallabies a threat around the halves in a match viewed as unwinnable by many.
“It’s a massive game,” Jones said last Saturday.
“There’s nothing better than coaching New Zealand.
“If you look at Australia at the moment, probably no one outside of our immediate squad thinks we’ve got a chance of winning, which sometimes can drive a bit more closeness within the team, a bit more purpose about what we’re doing and we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing against a very good New Zealand team.”
Jones will confirm his squad on Thursday morning.
KTinHK
Roar Pro
So who’s the control freak?
Guess
Roar Rookie
Don't talk to me control freak
MO
Roar Rookie
Tate and carter are both tough nuts and especially with a slow non7 in thooper you need that extra tackling
MO
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. I like his speed and athleticism. I want Philip locking with Skelton at the moment. Swinton has too much anger and Tom hooper too green for right now. Jed probably good for Boks but too slow for other teams. But he maybe the best option. No love for naisarani
MO
Roar Rookie
Cheers
KTinHK
Roar Pro
Work on your grammar then maybe I’ll understand your insults.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
From history? We’re yet to ruin this batch.
Guess
Roar Rookie
I mean whose confidence was destroyed
Guess
Roar Rookie
So it was you? :laughing: Which manners yours? Learn to control you inner control freak :)
Guess
Roar Rookie
If you wrote it on Saturday then yes. You said it right before announcement. It just doesn't look natural
Cec
Roar Rookie
A bit of an edge in their game. Hope they keep mistakes low in the opening 30min
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Considering Rennie’s performances when we had a full team (2021 win streak) I wonder how we’d go with him at the helm considering the strength of the current side named for this weekend. At the moment, it doesn’t matter who we pick, we’re about as cohesive as a drunkard on a Saturday night.
Christy Doran
Editor
Out-the-boxOut the box thinking ie Lonergan for Hooper. Wouldn't think that'll happen. As for Hoops, could go either way - but that's my opinion, not necessarily Eddie's.
Nicholas Chambers
Roar Rookie
Not questioning Perese’s selection, no idea what Petaia is doing there. Didn’t play a single game in the centres in SR and his defence was questionable. Training can only account for so much.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Irrational Optimist has a picture of a WB fan in the dictionary
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
KCOL,now that's what I call a good Wallaby supporter!Or a supreme optimist,not sure which?
Wizz
Roar Rookie
He has more upside than Porecki...can steal a ball at least..
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
Why do you say that?
jeznez
Roar Guru
G’day Mitch. Frost has the speed but he’s not a good enough defender. I want him to find his angry pills and make it back in as a lock.
Fishman
Roar Rookie
I don’t wish to put the boot into Noah Lolesio but if we still had Dave Rennie as coach NL would still be indulged with selection preferences because he is the next in line and just ‘needs time’. NL did not seize his chances. CG appears vastly different - he never looks daunted. Reminds me of Horan in that way.