Joe Schmidt makes last-minute switch in Wallabies squad
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt
©Steve Haag
Australia’s head coach, Joe Schmidt, has made a late change to the bench for Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park.
Tane Edmed will now serve as fly-half cover for James O’Connor, replacing Nick Champion de Crespigny in the 23, following Ben Donaldson’s injury during training.
Ben Donaldson was originally selected to back up O'Connor, who returns to Test rugby after a three-year gap. However, Donaldson sustained an upper-leg injury in a Thursday training session.
With first-choice fly-half Tom Lynagh sidelined due to concussion from a prior match, the team urgently required a specialist number 10 on the bench.
Captain Harry Wilson explained the decision: “Dono went down in last-minute training, which wasn't ideal after the team was already selected internally.
"We had named Crep (Champion de Crespigny), but after discussions overnight and this morning, we decided to bring in Tane. He’s been training exceptionally well, and we have a lot of confidence in him.”
Wilson also highlighted the value of having experience in the halves: “James is 35, packed with experience and confidence—it’s great to have him back.
"Alongside Nic White, whose retirement was postponed due to Jake Gordon’s injury, we now have two players with proven leadership and skills guiding the team.”
.jpg "Australia's Rob Valetini may have only played 40 minutes vs the Lions but he - along with Will Skelton - could be big for Australia at The Rugby Championship")
