Jordan Uelese is out, Pete Samu is in and Israel Folau has warned Ireland he wants to leap high in the air more often as the Wallabies begin preparations to knock off the Six Nations grand slam champions.
As players filtered into Wallabies camp in Brisbane on Sunday, there was positive news for Australian rugby as Samu, the new ACT Brumbies recruit, was given the green light to push for a Test debut.
Injury setback: Jordan Uelese has been ruled out of the Ireland series.
Photo: Stuart Walmsley
Rugby Australia and the NZRU came to an agreement on Saturday evening about Samu and his eligibility but both organisations won't say whether whether cash was exchanged to have the Crusaders back-rower released.
RA rejected an earlier request from the NZRU to pay $50,000 to have Samu released for the June series.
“I want to thank New Zealand Rugby for their consideration in releasing Peter for international duties,” said RA chief executive Raelene Castle. “Our discussions were robust but fair and Im pleased weve reached an agreement to allow Peter the opportunity to represent his country."
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Cheika might have got his way with Samu but hell be annoyed at the news Uelese wont take any part in the three-match series with a suspected ACL injury.
With Stephen Moore now retired from international rugby and Tatafu Polota-Nau taking some time off after a tiring season in the UK, Uelese had been earmarked as the Wallabies' starting hooker for the first Test at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday.
Cheika knows there is a serious lack of depth in the No.2 jersey and will announce a replacement on Monday to join hookers Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Folau Faingaa in the squad.
Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu remained in Brisbane after his sides win over the Reds on Saturday and he is expected to officially join the Wallabies' squad.
NSWs regular starting hooker, Damien Fitzpatrick, has been mentioned in conversation but Latus four Tests of experience in 2016 might be tempting for Cheika if he doesn't want to throw two debutants into the cauldron of a series opener.
“Its disappointing,” prop said Tom Robertson of Ueleses injury. “He loves coming into Wallabies and brings such good energy.
“Ive played with both Brandon and Folau at club and NRC level and Im pretty confident in their ability. Theyre two big units and Im confident with no matter who comes out there.”
Once Brumbies players come into camp on Monday, Cheika can finally mould his team the way he wants and get stuck into formulating a plan to beat the Irish.
An avid spectator at the Waratahs-Reds match, Cheika would have been delighted to see Folau leap over the top of Jayden Ngamanu in what was another display of aerial brilliance in the lead-up to a five-pointer.
The image will send shivers down the spines of Irelands back three and Folau has made it clear he wants to be used in the air more regularly given it is such a potent point-scoring option.
“Hopefully we can exploit that a bit more in the next three weeks,” Folau said. “Were always working on that type of skill set to implement in the game. Id like to see a lot more in the games.
“Its planned if were playing off set-piece, off lineout. In general phase play were always talking and being open about if you see an opportunity, just to hit it. Ill be ready for those opportunities.”
Wallabies coaches will cram as much information into players as possible over the coming days. The short preparation wont be used as an excuse but it is no secret Australian teams have been off the pace across the last two June series.
Folau is far from a rugby nerd but when asked for his thoughts on Australias upcoming opponents, he offered little insight to begin with.
“To be honest, I dont really know too much about the Ireland side,” Folau said.
He then warmed up a little. "I know theyre a team that will grind out an 80-minute performance. Theyve got some guys like [Jonathan] Sexton and some pretty smart playmakers who are a real threat in attack. The set-piece is pretty good too."
However, a remark from Robertson will go down a treat. The young prop clearly had no idea Ireland captain and veteran hooker Rory Best isnt touring Australia because of a hamstring injury.
“Theyve got Rory Best, he hasnt played 100 Tests for no reason,” Robertson said. “Hell be very tough up front.”
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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