May the merry-go-round continue, after Wallabies coach Les Kiss promised to keep looking through his options at No 10 before the clash with Japan in Townsville on Saturday. The Wallabies’ new supremo has shuffled the side in only his second Test, making wholesale changes to his pack as he seeks the comprehensive victory against the Brave Blossoms many hoped would arrive last week. It is Kiss’s decision, however, to bring in Carter Gordon at No 10 – but then also pledge to keep investigating his flyhalf options – that underscores the uncertainty within the Wallabies as the clock ticks toward next year’s home World Cup.
Kiss dumped Declan Meredith after a mixed performance in last week’s clash in Osaka, won by the Wallabies narrowly 35-32. Ben Donaldson remains on the bench while Gordon will play his third Test since returning to union. Despite that vote of confidence in Gordon, the coach said he was also committed to ensuring there remains depth at the position as the World Cup comes into view.
I think [with] three games for Declan, I’ve got good information on him now, he is going to only get better for us, that’s for sure, the tuition that he had under Steve Larkham [at the Brumbies] is obviously coming through. I want to see Carter and I want to see Donno [Donaldson] off the bench again as well, covering 15 [fullback].” Of the No 10s tried by the Wallabies in the past two years, injuries, form, age or commitments overseas have prevented any from securing the jersey. That dynamic was highlighted when Rugby Australia paid the Gold Coast Titans – Carter’s club during his flirtation with rugby league – what was described by a “comprehensive financial settlement” to trigger a release from the final year of his NRL contract.
But just as his NRL career was impeded by injury, so too has the resumption of his one in union. Injuries, or “small niggles” as Carter described them, sidelined the 25-year-old from Nambour immediately after the two Tests he has played for the Wallabies since his return. Kiss has overhauled the forward pack after the exertions in the Osaka heat last week.
In the second row, Lachlan Shaw will make his first start in gold, as does flanker Charlie Cale, as part of a raft of changes. Centre Isaac Henry is also in the XV for the first time after his debut off the bench last week. The new pivot cannot rely on having Australia’s first choice midfield pairing outside him either, as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau will miss the game with injuries.
Yet in outside centre Henry and Hunter Paisami in No 12, at least he can call on old connections. With nothing to lose on Saturday afternoon in Townsville as his Brave Blossoms chase a first win against Australia, coach Eddie Jones was in a playful mood. We’ve got to be in line with the ball carrier to turn those long breaks into points.”
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