As Joe Schmidt mulls what to do with Tom Linach, the Wallabies’ hopes of ending an eight-game losing streak in the Rugby Championship are dashed and Hunter Paisami is ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Growling The 26-year-old can reveal he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee during the 30-12 defeat to the Springboks. The injury is expected to keep the Wallabies midfielder out for at least six weeks, including Argentina’s two-test tour next month against Felipe Contepomi’s Pumas.
While opinions remain divided on Paisami’s impact on the team, Schmidt praises his directness in midfield and triple-threat ability.
Schmidt made the comments after the Wallabies’ attack lost some of its shape after Paisami was forced off early in the second half in Perth on Saturday night, with the inside centre acting as a strong foil for fly-half Noah Roletio.
“Yes, he (Loresio) gained confidence,” Schmidt said.
“I was pleased with the way he dealt with (the loss of Paisami). Lenny Ikitau didn’t play 12 games for us, Andrew Kellaway didn’t play 13 games and we lost Hunter, but I thought he was really calm and played the game to the best of his ability.
“(With the injuries to players up front) we lost balance in the pack, but maybe the balance in the back line was also lost.
“It was a bit of a loss because Hunter was a huge help to us.
“Despite all that, I thought Noah looked really calm and played really well. On top of that, I thought his kicking improved.”
Hunter Paisami is expected to miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship with an MCL injury. (Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
With Paisami lost, Joe Schmidt will have to find a new option in midfield, having previously worn the No.12 jersey in all five Test matches and played centre-back for the Reds.
With World Cup centres Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia out of form, versatile Wallabies unknown Hamish Stewart and Brumbies newcomer David Feliuayi are more likely to make their debuts after experienced Waratahs centre Lalakai Pokety was sent off for a late tip tackle in Manly’s Chute Shield quarter-final loss to Eastern Suburbs on Saturday.
Pockety, who has been one of the biggest omissions in Schmidt’s squad so far, could still be selected, but he will probably be hoping the Sydney Rugby Union judiciary doesn’t punish him too harshly for his poor tackle. His Waratahs teammate Joey Walton could also be called up again after spending time with the Wallabies in July.
Stewart is not only being considered as a midfielder, but the 26-year-old could also be considered as a third option to wear the number 10 shirt if Lynagh is not selected for the next Rugby Championship game.
The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances for the Wallabies in the past six weeks but has failed to keep the game alive.
That’s because the Reds’ promising playmaker is losing confidence due to a hamstring injury.
Tom Linach’s hamstring continues to be a problem for the Wallabies. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Schmidt, who worked with Ireland’s great Johnny Sexton for 10 years in Ireland, must now consider whether to leave Lina at home to build her confidence as well as her physical fitness.
It remains to be seen whether Schmidt will bring in a third specialist flyhalf option, with Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed a live option.
Edmard, 24, currently wears the number 10 jersey for North Harbour in New Zealand’s provincial competitions.
Edmed is fit, confident and composed in front of goal, and could fit in perfectly with Schmidt if he were asked to, as he plays alongside half-backs Jake Gordon, Poketti and rookie outside back Max Jorgensen.
Another option is James O’Connor.
The 34-year-old was a star performer for Brothers in Saturday’s Hospital Cup semi-final win over Wests and will give the Wallabies experience in the inside channel.
But despite O’Connor’s desire to play for the Lions next year, Schmidt has said he would prefer to support young players growing up in Australia.
The Wallabies have had six players sidelined with knocks or head injuries in the past fortnight, but Allan Ala-Alatoa, James Sleeper, Angus Bell, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams and Gordon are all expected to be fit for the South American trip.
Wallabies supporter Taniela Tupou is also expected to be named after missing the Springboks Tests following the death of her father. It is not yet known whether she will be fit to play.
Joe Schmidt has a few pick calls to consider after losing Hunter Paisami. Photo: Wallabies media, Julius Dimataga
Versatile forward Rob Leota is close to returning from a thigh injury, while hooker Brandon Fenga-Amosa is also likely to be called up to the national team.
Openside flanker Fraser McWright is unlikely to feature in the second Pumas Test, but it is unclear whether Schmidt will lead the Star Reds forward. It is also not yet known whether Liam Wright will return from surgery.
Of the Wallabies’ loose forwards, the one who won’t be on the plane is rookie back-rower Charlie Kale.
The promising young loose forward is expected to undergo surgery to repair a shoulder injury, which will see him sidelined for the rest of the season.
In the past, the Wallabies have regarded the trip to Argentina as a relatively easy win but Schmidt, who is expected to name his squad for the two-Test tour to Argentina over the next 48 hours, is under no illusions that the trip will be difficult after Los Pumas won their TRC opener against the All Blacks in Wellington.
“One thing about this competition is that it’s not going to get any easier,” Schmidt said.
“We played three of the four semi-finalists (of the World Cup) and we weren’t one of them. Going to Argentina next time is not going to be any easier.
“They will be disappointed with the first half tonight but it showed how hard they are to beat when they crushed the All Blacks and didn’t even give them a bonus point.
“I have known Felipe Contepomi for a long time. I have a lot of respect for his rugby intelligence and he is a top guy.
“Being friends definitely stops the kick-off, they won’t be generous to us and we’ll try to make it difficult for them.”
