Schmidt reshuffles the deck for Twickenham Test
On Wednesday night the Wallabies enjoyed a low-stakes poker game together at their hotel and on Thursday morning Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt shuffled his squad, which is missing three aces in Exeter’s Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau and Leicester’s James O’Connor.
Saturday’s Test does not fall within the three-week window within which clubs must release O’Connor, Ikitau and Hooper under World Rugby’s ninth regulation, but England could field a full-strength side from the same competition due to negotiations between the Premiership and the Rugby Football Union.
“It’s not really a distraction for us, it’s an opportunity…usually you’re dealt a set of cards and while you’re shuffling the deck a little bit or trying to steal cards from somewhere else, if those cards aren’t available, you shuffle what you have and try to put up your best hand,” Schmidt said.
“We think we have a hand to challenge England, but we know how good they are and it might not be enough, but we will definitely try.”
Schmidt explained that Rugby Australia was never in a position to negotiate with Exeter or Leicester for the release of Ikitau, Hooper or O’Connor due to the threat of fines to both clubs if they released the players for the Test.
The Wallabies will re-include Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Fraser McReight, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost and Taniela Tupou in the matchday squad after the players have been rested. narrow victory Against Japan in Tokyo last Saturday.
Schmidt selected Harry Potter to start on the wing ahead of Dylan Pietsch, who impressed in his Test comeback in Japan after breaking his jaw in South Africa. Schmidt confirmed Pietsch’s recovery was being managed.
The Wallabies have welcomed back some heavy hitters ahead of the clash with England.Credit: Getty Images
“Dylan Pietsch is still getting back to full speed, he has had a bit of a recovery period since his injury against South Africa (in Johannesburg),” Schmidt said.
