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SAINT ETIENNE – James Slipper is set to miss the Wallabies’ opening World Cup Test against Georgia in Paris, with several others in doubt too.
As The Roar reported earlier this week, the former Wallabies captain is battling a tendon issue in his foot that has seen the side’s most capped player wear a moon boot over the past week.
“At this stage, it’s definitely touch and go for Georgia,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones confirmed on Thursday.
“He’s got a tendon problem with his foot. We believe we’ve got that under control and he’ll be back on the paddock after Georgia.”
Slipper isn’t the only prop let alone player in the Wallabies’ camp under an injury cloud.
James Slipper, who is in huge doubt for the Wallabies’ World Cup opener, signs autographs at Stade Roger Baudras on August 31, 2023. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jones confirmed Pone Fa’amausili is still recovering and is “maybe a week or so away”, meaning the tight-head prop who had a strong first Test start against the All Blacks in early August is in doubt to face Georgia too.
Hooker Jordan Uelese is set to start full training with the Wallabies on Friday after missing Bledisloe II with a knee issue.
Star centre Samu Kerevi, who was seen training by himself after hand surgery following Bledisloe II in early August, is also in doubt with Jones saying he’s “still not training”.
Tom Hooper didn’t train either, with the rising Brumbies forward admitting he had a slight “niggle” but was merely “managing my load”.
Fellow forward Rob Leota was also seen training by himself, as he gave the boxing pads a solid work out in front of a strong contingent of local fans eager to get a glimpse of the Wallabies training before the gates shut and Jones’ side go into full World Cup mode.
Teenage sensation Max Jorgensen, who hasn’t played since May and only recently returned to contact work, however ran freely and looked sharp while incumbent fullback Andrew Kellaway also appeared to have no issues after suffering an elbow knock during the Wallabies’ 41-17 loss at the Stade de France.
“We’ve got a few out, but every team in the world has got that at the moment,” Jones told reporters at the Stade Roger Baudras on Thursday afternoon.
“It’s just a matter of good rehab, good recovery and get them back on the field as quickly as we can.”
Max Jorgensen passes during a Wallabies training session ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 at Stade Roger Baudras on August 31, 2023. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
In stark contrast to the robust scenes at Sydney International Airport a fortnight ago, Jones was calm and engaging after being energetic at training on the lush green pitch in the quaint village of Collonges just north-west of Saint Etienne.
Jones sat in-between Will Skelton and Carter Gordon when he addressed reporters, with the veteran coach clearly wanting to be next to his young playmaker.
Of course, it wasn’t long ago that Jones defended the young star’s inclusion ahead of Quade Cooper. Now, Gordon’s very much the frontman to this show.
Asked how he felt upon arrival at the Wallabies’ team base in Saint Etienne, Jones admitted there was a combination of “excitement” and “apprehension” for all the players who were within “touching distance of our first game”.
Plenty has changed in Australian rugby since Jones was parachuted into the role in January. Yet, despite the dramatic start to the year, the bombshell selection surprises of the past month have meant it has felt like two years in one.
“I was telling the players this morning, I reckon, for me, it’s been a fascinating experiment almost,” Jones said.
“You go in with a perception of how you think the team may be and then the players’ talents have really shone through and we’re just discovering now how we need to operate as a team, how we want to play, how we can play to our strengths.
“It’s all just starting now.”
Head Coach, Eddie Jones, Will Skelton and Carter Gordon speak to media at Stade Roger Baudras on August 31, 2023. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jones admitted the Wallabies had changed tack in recent months, with as many as 10 starting changes, including a new captain in Skelton, to the side that was smacked 43-12 in Pretoria back in July, expected for their World Cup opener.
“Well, the plan was always to free us up from structure,” Jones said.
“I don’t believe you can copy other teams’ structure, you’ve got to you’ve got to come up with your own way of playing. And so that’s always been the goal.
“But initially, we probably didn’t get it right in how we wanted it to play. Well, we didn’t get it right and now we’re finding the way that we should play.
“A team’s always defined by how you play, your playing style or playing identity dictates how the team is, and we’re just finding that out now.
“We’ve got a new leadership group in, led by Will, and that’s changing the team as well.
“For us, the big thing is finding the right way to play to our players’ strengths, and then the leadership group being able to adapt on the field.”
Jones wouldn’t buy into whether the Wallabies were genuine World Cup contenders but said they would be ready for their tournament opened next week in Paris.
“Well, the only thing we have to worry about is Georgia in 10 days’ time,” he said.
“Are we on track for Georgia? Yes, we are on track for Georgia. Then after we after we deal with Georgia, we get on track for the next game. That’s all we have to worry about. Those things are for you guys to worry about. Not for us.”
Eddie Jones during a Wallabies training session at Stade Roger Baudras. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Jones said playing France had been strong preparation for taking on the 11th ranked Georgians, with the Eastern European side also employing a strong kicking game.
“Georgia play a very similar game to France,” Jones said.
“Ten of their players play in the leagues in France, mostly in Top 14, some Pro D. They have a very significant French influence, so they kick a lot, they contest hard at the breakdown and then they developed some fantastic counter attacking skills.
“The perception of Georgia was that they’re a hard scrummaging, a hard mauling, gritty team. There’s still elements of that, but they’ve changed their game considerably.”
Unlike previous World Cup campaigns, the Wallabies have a week to prepare between each of their pool matches due to the lengthening of the tournament to ease the loads of players.
But with the Wallabies winless from five Tests, it’s more than likely Jones will pick his strongest possible squad to face Georgia.
Nor will he be able to manage his players’ loads much over the first three weeks of the competition, with the Wallabies to take on Fiji and Wales in successive weeks before wrapping up their pool stage against Portugal on October 1.
So what are the chances of rotation?
“Rotations are for spits when you’re roasting a pig in Tonga,” Jones said.
He added: “We’re not underestimating anyone. The only one we have to worry about at the moment is Georgia. Once we get to Fiji we’ll have a game plan for Fiji. We’ll need to be at our best to beat them. That’s the great thing of the tournament.”
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.