Wallabies call in Genia's cover
SQUAD UPDATE: Waratahs scrumhalf Jake Gordon has joined the Wallabies squad after Will Genia underwent surgery on a fractured arm.
Gordon returned from Japan on Monday after playing for the Waratahs in an exhibition game against NEC Green Rockets in Tokyo yesterday.
The 24-year old is yet to earn his first Test cap, after his initial squad call-up a year ago during the 2017 June Series.
Meanwhile, Genia had surgery on Sunday and is expected to miss six weeks after fracturing his arm in a collision during the first half at AAMI Park.
Nick Phipps is most likely to replace Genia in the starting lineup, with Brumbies scrumhalf Joe Powell the other nine in the squad.
When asked, before the confirmation of Gordon’s inclusion, Wallabies attack coach Stephen Larkham said they had faith in the other nines to step up.
“He’s an integral part of the team, there’s no doubt about that, he’s part of our strategy group and he’s had a very good combination there with the forward pack and the backline,” he said.
“So he’s definitely a big loss but in saying that, we’ve got really good experience in Nick Phipps, Joe Powell’s been around the team now for the last 12 months and we’ll have to bring someone else into the team now.”
The June Series between Australia and Ireland is now poised at one-all following Ireland’s five-point win in Melbourne last weekend.
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