Wallabies great Michael Hooper believes that young talent Max Jorgensen may begin the upcoming match against Fiji on the wing, despite concerns about the player’s readiness following a significant ankle injury that kept him off the field since March. Jorgensen’s last game was a loss for the Waratahs against the Hurricanes, and the Test match this Sunday in Newcastle is the only preparatory opportunity before the Wallabies face the British and Irish Lions on July 19.
Hooper expressed surprise at the potential decision during a Thursday segment on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven, acknowledging Jorgensen’s evident talent but questioning the wisdom of starting him after such a lengthy absence. He raised concerns about the player’s match fitness and suggested that if the decision is made, it might be a strategic move to prepare Jorgensen for the more challenging Lions series.
Coach Joe Schmidt is set to announce his squad for the Fiji game shortly, and former Wallabies player Morgan Turinui has indicated that Schmidt is also monitoring the fitness of key forwards, Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, both of whom have injury concerns. Turinui highlighted the challenge of finding suitable replacements, noting the absence of a direct replacement for Valetini’s playing style.
Meanwhile, injury issues are not limited to the Wallabies; British media suggest that England’s fullback, Elliot Daly, may miss the Lions tour due to a broken forearm. In response, Andy Farrell, the Lions’ coach, is reportedly considering bringing in Owen Farrell to fill the gap.
Looking ahead, former Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley advised current fly-halves Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, and Tom Lynagh to adopt a more assertive approach in their play, highlighting the need to engage the opposition and not merely act as distributors. Foley urged them to challenge defences themselves to create space for their star teammates, such as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Foley’s insights emphasized the necessity of involvement from the playmakers to disrupt defensive setups, thus enhancing the effectiveness of wider plays. While he previously engaged in discussions with Schmidt about contributing to the team’s preparations, Foley expressed support for the team’s direction, even if he isn’t involved in the upcoming Lions series.
As both the Wallabies and Lions prepare for the international fixtures, fitness and strategic gameplay remain at the forefront of team selections and tactics.