Wallabies pay costly price after Rugby Championship victory over the Springboks
Wallabies flyer Dylan Pietsch takes on the Springboks defence and front-row James Slipper (inset).
Saturday’s epic Rugby Championship triumph over the Springboks has proved costly for the Wallabies as they have lost the services of Dylan Pietsch and James Slipper to injury ahead of next weekend’s rematch in Cape Town.
Australia claimed a shock 38-22 bonus-point victory over the world champions in the tournament opener in Johannesburg.
That result was a significant one as it was their first triumph in South Africa in 12 years and a first win at Ellis Park since 1963.
Superb comeback win
What made Australia‘s victory extra special was that they fought back after trailing South Africa 22-0.
Winger Pietsch started the visitors’ comeback when he crossed for a try on the half-hour mark but he was forced off the field shortly afterwards after suffering a broken jaw, following a brutal collision with Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi.
Meanwhile, loosehead prop Slipper reported concussion symptoms post-match and did not pass his HIA.
The duo are returning to Australia and will be joined by Ben Donaldson, who missed the clash against South Africa after sustaining an abductor strain at training.
Filipo Daugunu, Rhys van Nek and Hamish Stewart will fly to South Africa as cover ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Boks in Cape Town.
Pietsch and Slipper’s injuries mean Aidan Ross and Corey Toole could get opportunities to make their debuts for the Wallabies in the upcoming encounter.
Former All Black Ross, who joined the Wallabies squad ahead of the third British & Irish Lions Test in Sydney, will be competing for a spot in the matchday squad with Tom Robertson, who can cover both sides of the scrum.
Meanwhile, Toole is one of several options to take Pietsch’s spot on the wing, along with Daugunu and Josh Flook, or Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt could opt to elevate Andrew Kellaway to the run-on side.
Good news on Harry Wilson injury
Despite losing Pietsch and Slipper, there was good news on skipper Harry Wilson who is pushing to be fit after injuring his knee.
Wilson sustained the injury while scoring a try midway through the second half and headed for scans.
After the match Schmidt confirmed that the number eight was moving around unassisted.
“He’s a bit more comfortable now,” said the head coach. “I think he got a little bit of a wobble on it, but he’s feeling a little bit more comfortable now. We live and hope.”
In other positive news, Rob Valetini also has a good chance of returning to action as he recovers from a calf issue that has kept him on the sidelines for the past two matches.