Wallaby coach stays away from panic button

Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt has resisted the urge to make mass changes following last week’s record loss to Argentina, making just two tweaks to his squad for upcoming Tests against New Zealand.

Queensland duo Fraser McReight and Hunter Paisami return as the only new inclusions to the group that toured Argentina, both having recovered from injury.

McReight started the Test season in strong form before fracturing his hand, while Paisami has overcome a knee injury sustained in the 12-30 loss to South Africa in Perth.

The Wallabies started their tour of Argentina with a 20-19 win, but they were crushed 67-27 in the re-match last week despite leading 20-3 after 30 minutes.

It marked the most points the Wallabies have ever conceded in a Test match.

After that defeat, past Wallabies greats urged Schmidt to be more open to picking overseas-based players, and for Rugby Australia to relax eligibility restrictions.

Japan-based Marika Koroibete is the only overseas-based player to have featured for the Wallabies in 2024.

Samu Kerevi, Will Skelton, Tom Staniforth, Pete Samu, Jordan Uelese, Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Richie Arnold, Matt Philip and Reece Hodge are among the players plying their trade overseas that could potentially help the Wallabies.

For the moment, Schmidt is hoping stability from home-based players will yield results, backing in his squad to turn around their fortunes against the All Blacks in matches that will double as Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship encounters.

Wagga Wagga junior Corey Toole and inside centre David Feliuai are the only two uncapped players in the 36-man squad.

“After getting a much-needed win in the first Test, then making a good start in the second Test, we had a very disappointing final 40 minutes in Argentina,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“The upcoming Bledisloe Test in Sydney offers a great opportunity to turn that poor finish around in front of what looks like being another big home crowd.”

Hurts.

Fell away in the second half but we go again for the Bledisloe.

We appreciate all of your support 💚💛 #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/KwSIhZvsyO

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 7, 2024

The Wallabies will assemble in Sydney on Sunday ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup Test next Saturday at Stadium Australia in Sydney, before crossing the ditch for the return clash at the Wellington regional stadium on September 28.

Australia sit last on the Rugby Championship table with just one win from four matches, and the All Blacks are also struggling with a one-win-three-defeats record.

World champions South Africa head the standings with a perfect 4-0 record.

Australian squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

Unavailable: Kurtley Beale, Charlie Cale, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Bayley Kuenzle, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, David Porecki, Blake Schoupp, Liam Wright.