The Wallabies will be forced into a backline shuffle for Saturday’s daunting Bledisloe Cup clash in Auckland after Andrew Kellaway was ruled out on Wednesday morning.
Kellaway will miss the first Test against New Zealand with a calf strain.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports golden boy Max Jorgensen will switch from the wing, where he has starred all season, to start his first game at fullback for Australia.
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He will beat fellow winger Harry Potter, as well as gun centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, to the position.
“Obviously it’s always been a massive rivalry,” Jorgensen said on Tuesday.
Max Jorgensen of the Wallabies celebrates scoring a try. Getty
“I watched it growing up and always dreamt of playing in something like the Bledisloe Cup.
“If I get the opportunity it will be awesome.”
Jorgensen, 21, has never seen the Wallabies win a Bledisloe Cup.
Australia is on a 39-game losing streak at Auckland’s Eden Park while the All Blacks have won 51 consecutive games at the famed venue.
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Jorgensen’s move from wing to fullback has reportedly forced coach Joe Schmidt to recall Corey Toole to the squad, which will be confirmed on Thursday.
And in another surprise development, veteran playmaker James O’Connor has reportedly been recalled and will line up against New Zealand on Saturday.
O’Connor made his Wallabies return against Argentina and came off the bench, but the Herald reports he will start in the No.10 jersey this week.
And in positive news for Schmidt, the Herald reports giant forward Will Skelton will be available for the second Bledisloe game, to be played in Perth the following week.