Massive blow as Wallabies lose key star ahead of Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks
Fraser McReight scoring for Wallabies against Portugal.
Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies have suffered a big blow ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks with Fraser McReight ruled out of both Tests.
According to The Roar, the flank suffered a thumb injury and has since had surgery which keeps him out of an intriguing double header against the world champions.
Openside concern
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for the Wallabies as McReight was in blockbuster form at the start of the Schmidt era and had quickly situated himself as one of the first names on the team sheet in Australian gold.
What is worse, Reds teammate and the first captain of Schmidt’s reign, Liam Wright, is also ruled out after he had surgery on a bicep injury, leaving a gaping hole at openside for the Wallabies.
Reports suggest Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Carlo Tazzno and Charlie Gamble are all in with a shout at receiving a call-up.
The Wallabies era under Schmidt has gotten off to a perfect start with two wins against Wales and another against Georgia, meaning that in his three Tests, the New Zealander has more wins than Eddie Jones’ second tenure with the side.
Big challenge approaching
The verdict is still out with where the Wallabies stand in the global game considering the Tests under Schmidt were against a Wales side in turmoil and the emerging Georgians who were playing their first Test on Australian soil.
Moving into the Rugby Championship, the challenge does not get much bigger than welcoming the Springboks to their backyard, who in recent times have struggled Down Under, with the South Africans only managing one win from their last five Tests in Australia.
Schmidt will be well aware of the challenge and has hinted he will be calling up some overseas-based players for the Rugby Championship with Will Skelton and Marika Koroibete at the top of the list.
READ MORE: ‘Promising’ Wallabies rookie returns to ‘home state’ after Rebels downfall
