The Wallabies are preparing for their match against the Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday, with a key player sidelined due to injury.
Harry Potter has been ruled out of the upcoming game after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Wallabies’ recent loss. Potter was substituted in the 20th minute of the match, visibly affected by the injury after a play initiated by Max Jorgensen.
The injury forced a positional change, with scrum-half Tate McDermott shifting to the wing. mcdermott, the Queensland Reds captain, received praise from coach Joe Schmidt for his performance in the unfamiliar role. “I thought he was super,” Schmidt commented, highlighting McDermott’s speed and skill in an ankle-tap tackle on a prominent Irish player. Schmidt added that McDermott was prepared for the wing position, having been informed he would be covering it during the week.
With Potter unavailable, the Wallabies coaching staff are considering several options to fill the wing position. Dylan Pietsch, who impressed at the start of the tour for the Western Force and debuted for the Wallabies, is a strong contender. Filipo Daugunu, who performed well against Wales and Georgia last year, is also an option, though he recently suffered a concussion playing for First Nations Pasifika.
Another possibility is Corey Toole, a Brumbies flyer who showcased his speed in Super Rugby Pacific. His inclusion would mark the second debutant of the tour for the Wallabies. Alternatively, coach Schmidt could move Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the back three, which would open a spot in the centres for either Hunter Paisami or Josh Flook to partner Len Ikitau.
In other team news, a former All Black, who joined the Queensland Reds at the commencement of the Lions tour, is now eligible to play for the Wallabies.This player featured for both the Reds and AUNZ during the tour. The player, born in gosford, last represented the All Blacks on July 9, 2022, against Ireland, having completed the required three-year stand-down period.
