Wallabies captain Harry Wilson confident his team can overcome the loss of star back-rower Rob Valetini in battle against British and Irish Lions

If the Wallabies are to beat the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night, their forwards will have step up following the loss of one of Australia’s best players.

Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson says Australia’s entire forward pack must lift in the absence of star back-rower Rob Valetini if his team is to have any chance of beating the British and Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

The inability of two-time John Eales Medal winner Valetini to overcome a calf problem in time for the series opener in Brisbane is a huge blow to Australia’s hopes of upsetting the heavily fancied tourist.

However, No.8 Wilson said an increased contribution from himself and every other Wallabies forward could make up for the unavailability of Valetini.

The loss of two-time John Eales Medal winner Rob Valetini is a blow for the Wallabies. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images for Rugby Australia

“‘Bobby’ is a massive loss,” Wilson said.

“He’s been one of the form players in world rugby for quite a long period now.
“The thing with ‘Bobby’ is he takes the tough carries for us week in, week out, It’s something you don’t take for granted, but you just appreciate a bloke that can take on two or three people and get you front-foot ball.

“The whole forward pack, we’ve got to really step up because when you’re missing a player like him, it’s not ideal, but if everyone picks up that little 10 per cent, it makes up for it, which is very exciting.”
In the ongoing absence of Valetini, and with Langi Gleeson also injured, flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny will make his Test debut at the age of 29.

“The thing about Nick is it’s his first Test, he’s got that excitement and all week he’s trained the house down,” Wilson said.

“He’s a big, physical man, and he wants to impose himself on the opposition. We’ve really enjoyed having him in camp, and we can’t wait to see him go out there and do his job.”

Wilson will have a similar goal of doing his primary “job” as a player rather than becoming consumed with the captaincy role.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson (right) and British and Irish Lions skipper Maro Itoje are ready for Saturday night’s Test at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Being able to captain your country is one of the biggest honours you could ever have It’s something I’ll never take for granted … but the thing which is nice about captaining this team is I’m not doing it alone,” he said.

“I’ve got some many other leaders in this team who have really helped me out. We really are a unit and I’m just the one here speaking.

“My main job is to play good Test foot for Australia. That’s all (Wallabies coach) Joe (Schmidt) has ever asked me to do, to try to perform and do my job.

“If I get named captain, it’s a massive honour, and if not, I just want to play footy.
“I’ve just always wanted to be a Wallaby. To me, the biggest honour you can get is playing for your country and pulling on the gold jersey.”

Originally published as Wallabies captain Harry Wilson confident his team can overcome the loss of star back-rower Rob Valetini in battle against British and Irish Lions