There was no shortage of altered plans in the Wallabies squad, in fact, with Nic White delaying his international retirement to go on the tour, due to a hamstring injury to Jake Gordon which ruled the halfback out of the trip.
Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan was named in his first full Wallabies squad after a long time waiting his turn, and could make a Test debut in South Africa.
Up front, another former All Black could make a Test debut with loosehead prop Aidan Ross named in the squad. Ross, who played one Test for New Zealand, finished with the Chiefs in the Super Rugby in June and moved to the Queensland Reds, where he played against the Lions.
Ross’ inclusion indicates the Wallabies may ask two-side props James Slipper and Tom Robertson to cover for Tupou if he is not fit.
Schmidt has also adjusted his plans, with the selections of Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper and Tupou. The trio are all headed overseas at the end of the year, and the early plan of Schmidt was to not consider them for the TRC and instead favour players who are staying. But all three are in excellent form, and moreover, are needed by the Wallabies given shallow depth.
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Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Josh Nasser were added to the squad officially, after both flew in late to Sydney following injuries to Matt Faessler and Dave Porecki. The latter subsequently announced his retirement.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said in a statement: “It’s pleasing to be able to keep the core of the group together, while also leaning on some depth and fresh bodies. We’re very conscious of how difficult it is going to be, playing South Africa on their home turf over two consecutive weekends.
“The group has made some positive steps throughout the start of the Test season, but we all know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
