Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies have announced that two key players will return home due to injury ahead of the second Test against the Springboks, with Dylan Pietsch and James Slipper ruled out of next week’s clash in Cape Town.
Pietsch suffered a broken jaw after coming off second best in a collision with Siya Kolisi in the first half at Ellis Park, while Slipper reported concussion symptoms post-match and failed his HIA.
It adds to a growing casualty list, with Ben Donaldson also back in Australia nursing the abductor strain that sidelined him from the Johannesburg opener.
In response, Filipo Daugunu, Rhys van Nek and Hamish Stewart will join the squad in South Africa as cover. The injuries may also pave the way for Test debuts, with prop Aidan Ross and winger Corey Toole both pushing for selection.
Ross, who linked up with the squad ahead of the third Lions Test, could now make history by joining a rare group of players to represent both the All Blacks and the Wallabies after recently becoming eligible. Tom Robertson is another option in the front row, with the Force prop able to cover both sides.
Toole is among several candidates to replace Pietsch on the wing, alongside Daugunu and Josh Flook, while Schmidt could shift Andrew Kellaway into the starting XV.
There was more positive news regarding captain Harry Wilson. The No.8, who limped off after scoring his second try in the second half, has remained in South Africa and is hopeful of being fit to play in Cape Town.
“He’s a bit more comfortable now,” Schmidt said post-game. “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.”
Rob Valetini is also pushing for a return after missing the past two matches with a calf complaint.
The Wallabies head into the rematch on top of the Rugby Championship table after their stunning 38-22 comeback in Johannesburg, but Schmidt’s preparations for Cape Town have already been shaped by attrition.