Eddie Jones’ plans for his first Wallabies camp have been thrown into disarray with an extraordinary seven players ruled out with injury.
Ned Hanigan, Len Ikitau, Dave Porecki, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain have all been ruled out after suffering concussions in Super Rugby Pacific over the weekend.
And backrowers Pete Samu (ankle) and Langi Gleeson (calf) have also been scratched from the three day camp which begins on the Gold Coast on Monday.
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Their misfortune opens the door for Lachie Swinton, Izaia Perese, Rhys van Nek, Rory Scott, Matt Faessler, Ryan Smith and Harry Wilson to impress as Jones starts to map out his vision for the Rugby World Cup.
Forwards van Nek, Scott, Faessler and Smith are all uncapped while dynamic centre Perese burst back into form in the NSW Waratahs’ win over the Western Force on Saturday night.
“While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp,” Jones said.
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“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.”
The injured players will attend Zoom components of the camp as will the overseas-based stars named.
The Wallabies open their 2023 campaign against the world champion Springboks on July 9 (AEST) in Pretoria.
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