Analysis: Why Len Ikitau is the one man the Wallabies can’t lose against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG
The addition of veteran Owen Farrell on the Lions’ bench for the second Test of the series only further highlights Australia’s biggest vulnerability and the major gamble Joe Schmidt is taking.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Wallabies do not have a single specialist inside centre in their squad.
The Lions have two.
In a major selection gamble, Australia’s coach Joe Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, because he doesn’t know how much game time he’ll get out of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, both returning from calf injuries.
So with only halfback Tate McDermott and five-eighth/fullback Ben Donaldson as backline cover on the bench, their glaring weakness in the No. 12 position has just become more vulnerable.
Len Ikitau is doing a commendable job in the role, but he is not a specialist No. 12. He is an outside centre, Australia’s best, and has solely played in that position for the Brumbies for years.
Inside centre specialist Hunter Paisami has missed out, while veteran Samu Kerevi was not picked in the squad.
On last year’s spring tour, Schmidt opted to play Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at outside centre for his Test debut, moving Ikitau in one spot. The bold move paid dividends as Suaalii starred on debut at Twickenham and Ikitau shone even brighter, setting up the matchwinning try for Max Jorgensen as the Wallabies defeated England.
Despite Ikitau reverting to No. 13 for the Brumbies in Super Rugby this year, and Suaalii playing exclusively at fullback for NSW Waratahs, Schmidt has stuck with the pair in their spring tour roles as the midfield pairing.
But what if Ikitau gets injured in this game against the Lions at the MCG?
The Wallabies would be looking at an unusual formation of Suaalii at inside centre, and winger Harry Potter moving to outside centre, both playing outside rookie five-eighth Tom Lynagh.
Schmidt will be praying such a scenario doesn’t unfold, because that 10-12-13 combination will not be good enough to compete in attack or defence against the Lions, whose midfield is stacked with experience.
Despite the loss of Sione Tuipulotu, the Lions will start Bundee Aki, with 65 Test caps to his name, alongside Huw Jones, who has 58 caps.
And then to back them up, Owen Farrell, who has played in more Lions games (21) than Lynagh, Suaalii and Potter have played combined Tests (14).
The 112-Test veteran has mixed his career between five-eighth and inside centre, and his astute tactical kicking, classy passing game and communication in frantic situations is superior to what Australia has at their disposal.
The key for the Wallabies is for Ikitau and Suaalii to get through 80 minutes unscathed so their midfield isn’t forced into a reshuffle, and their forwards giving Lynagh front-foot ball to give the outside men time and space.
Suddenly, no man has become more important for Australia’s chances in this series than Ikitau.
More Coverage
Originally published as Analysis: Why Len Ikitau is the one man the Wallabies can’t lose against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG
How to break Wallabies’ hearts? Just ask this man
The British and Irish Lions have called in one of the stars who shattered the Wallabies at the 2003 World Cup as they plan to end Australia’s hopes of a series win at the MCG.
Wallabies served with ‘blueprint’ to intimidate Lions
The Wallabies have taken inspiration from the First Nations and Pasifika XV’s performance against the British and Irish Lions.