Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies head coach, has announced the squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship matches against Argentina. The selection does not include powerhouse lock Will Skelton, who has returned to France to rejoin his club La Rochelle ahead of the Top 14 season. Discussions are ongoing regarding Skelton’s availability for the following Tests against the All Blacks.
Schmidt’s squad arrives back in Australia after splitting their two matches in South Africa and now prepares to face Los Pumas in Townsville and Sydney. Josh Canham replaces Skelton in the squad and is one of several new additions.
The squad is currently managing a significant injury list, with eleven players sidelined following their recent tour. Among those unavailable are Dylan Pietsch, Tom Wright, Langi Gleeson, Ben Donaldson, Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, Matt Faessler, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Luke Reimer and Liam Wright.
Returning players include Allan Alaalatoa in the front row after an injury layoff and fly-half Tom Lynagh. Pete Samu also joins as a replacement for Gleeson after returning from playing overseas. James O’Connor remains with the team as cover amid continuing injuries among backs.
“While it’s disappointing to lose some players in what was an attritional fortnight in South Africa, we’re pleased to be able to lean into the squad depth that we’re trying to create and welcome back some familiar faces to the group (…) Argentina have been in strong form this year with wins over the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand, and we know they’ll be very tough to beat in Townsville,” Schmidt said.
Rugby Australia confirmed they are engaged in negotiations concerning Skelton’s involvement under World Rugby regulations. Though within their rights to select him for all match weeks during the release period specified by World Rugby regulation 9(c)(iii), La Rochelle could recall him for rest weeks between tournament fixtures. This situation reflects ongoing efforts by Rugby Australia to maintain good relationships with overseas clubs.
Skelton is expected back at La Rochelle ahead of their opening day fixture on September 6 against Bordeaux—the same day as Australia faces Argentina—and may still return for later rounds versus New Zealand if negotiations permit.
Schmidt will also miss Tom Wright at full-back due to injury with no clear replacement named; Andrew Kellaway offers versatility having covered full-back previously.
Competition continues among forwards aiming to fill Skelton’s role including Lukhan Salakaia-Loto—who has shown strong recent form—and Jeremy Williams among others.
The Wallabies’ 36-man Rugby Championship squad includes twenty forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano,Taniela Tupou,Rob Valetini ,Jeremy Williams,and Harry Wilson . The sixteen backs named are: Filipo Daugunu,Tane Edmed ,Josh Flook ,Len Ikitau ,Max Jorgensen ,Andrew Kellaway,Ryan Lonergan ,Tom Lynagh,Tate McDermott ,James O’Connor,Hunter Paisami,Harry Potter,Hamish Stewart ,Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ,Corey Toole,and Nic White .
The Wallabies continue preparations despite injuries as they look toward a challenging pair of contests against Argentina.
