Joe Schmidt confident as Wallabies face Lions without key trio

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt remains upbeat ahead of Saturday’s first Test against the British & Irish Lions, despite missing several key players due to injury.

The highly anticipated clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will see Australia field a reshuffled squad following the absence of Will Skelton, Rob Valetini, and Noah Lolesio.

Skelton and Valetini have both been ruled out with calf injuries, while Lolesio is sidelined indefinitely due to a neck issue. With Lolesio unavailable, 21-year-old Tom Lynagh will make his Test debut at fly-half.

Despite the mounting challenges, Schmidt expressed confidence in the young playmaker’s ability to handle the pressure.

“He has a really quiet confidence,” said Schmidt. “Tom is a guy who builds relationships really quickly. He’s very well-liked in the group and you can see that guys are drawn to him. I think he’ll find his feet really quickly.”

The coach dismissed the idea that Lynagh would carry the burden alone, adding, “There are 23 people who will share the load. I know it’s a cliché but that’s what has to happen. You can’t expect one person to steer a group.”

Nick Champion de Crespigny is also set to make his international debut, filling in at blindside flanker for Valetini. The 29-year-old Brumbies forward has been rewarded for his consistent Super Rugby form and will join Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the back row.

Although the Wallabies have had limited preparation time, Schmidt insists the team is focused and ready. “The great thing about this group is they’re not looking over their shoulder and saying, ‘I wish I had more time.’ They’re saying, ‘This is the time we’ve got, how do we use it?’”