Wallabies to double down on halves combination as Schmidt eyes wet-weather warfare
By Tom Decent
The Wallabies will persist with Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh in the halves for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions, as coach Joe Schmidt prepares to roll out a powerful 6-2 bench split in anticipation of wet weather at the MCG.
There is no sense of panic in the Wallabies camp following last week’s 27-19 defeat in Brisbane, but with the series on the line, Schmidt is doubling down on the players who helped restore some credibility during a spirited second-half showing at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite calls for halfback Tate McDermott to be paired with his Queensland Reds teammate in Lynagh, Gordon is set to retain the No.9 jersey — a move welcomed by former Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps.
“I think at the moment, Tate’s ability to unlock that defence at the back-end of a game is stronger than him starting and Jake trying to do that later,” Phipps said on Stan Sport’s Inside Lion show.
“It’s always romantic to see a good 30 minutes at the back-end of a game and demand changes. I know Tate would be constantly working to get that start, so would Jake and Nic White.”
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper added: “I don’t think he’s going to [make sweeping changes]. That team he’s rolled out I think he’ll back them again. I’d keep Jake at nine.”
Tom Lynagh runs the ball back from a kick at Suncorp Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
Schmidt will confirm his matchday 23 on Thursday in Melbourne ahead of Saturday’s clash at the MCG.
The Wallabies are expected to retain their centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a back line that grew as the game wore on.
However, Australia are poised to shift from a traditional 5-3 bench split to a 6-2 configuration, which is an indication Schmidt is preparing for a tighter, more physical contest in wet conditions. Early forecasts suggest up to 10 millimetres of rain could fall on game day.
Utility Ben Donaldson, named on the bench in Brisbane, is likely to remain as playmaker cover for Lynagh.
“I love a good 6-2 split,” Phipps said. “It’s going to be wet down there in Melbourne this weekend and there was a lot of physicality playing quite tight [in Brisbane], so I think bringing that bench in to add impact is a good idea.”
Second-rower Will Skelton is fit and ready for a return, while questions remain over Rob Valetini’s fitness.
Hooker Dave Porecki, who suffered a concussion against Fiji, is also in contention for a return. Australia’s lineout was poor on the weekend and Porecki is considered the squad’s best thrower.
“His lineout throwing is always immaculate and he’s a big physical boy,” Phipps said of Porecki. “He throws himself into the contact area so a bit more punch if he gets an opportunity.
“But besides that, I always like how Joe backs his players. Whether or not we think the centre combinations are working at the moment, for me, I like how Joe is backing them at the moment.”