Judging by the strength of the Fijian squad announced this week, the Wallabies will have to be extremely careful not to head into the British and Irish Lions series with a loss under their belts. They play Fiji in Newcastle on July 6, and the presence of Salesi Rayasi in the Fijian squad has added to their already plentiful attacking options. The former Hurricanes winger made a habit of shining against Australian opposition during his time in Super Rugby, and Fiji coach Mick Byrne has been quick to get him on board after his departure from the Hurricanes last year (he now plays in France). The Fijian squad is a mixture of Europe-based heavy artillery and the pick of the Drua. This Test has danger signs written all over it.
Skelton boost for Schmidt
La Rochelle’s surprise loss to Pau at the weekend – former Rebels and Waratahs outside back Jack Maddocks started at fullback for Pau – means that Will Skelton will not be part of the Top 14 playoffs in France during the next three weeks. La Rochelle finished in seventh, one place outside the playoffs, and Skelton is now free to join the Wallabies far earlier than anticipated.
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This is great news for the Wallabies, giving them a much bigger runway with a player who can provide a point of difference in their pack. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Skelton has a role to play against the British and Irish Lions: he is so familiar with many of their players after years of European clashes. By contrast, his former Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has done it again, guiding Leicester into the final of the English Premiership.
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