Dave Rennie is ready to disregard calls of constructing on continuity and as an alternative make sweeping adjustments for subsequent week’s must-win Test towards Italy in Florence, with Will Skelton in-line to make his first begin since 2016.
The Wallabies pushed World Cup favourites France in Paris till the ultimate whistle however in the end fell quick, with Damian Penaud’s 76th minute strive proving the distinction as Les Bleus snuck dwelling 30-29.
The one-point loss was a heartbreaker for the Wallabies, who had been $6 outsiders after one more inconsistent 12 months however defied the chances to as soon as once more present that they can’t be written off in subsequent 12 months’s World Cup.
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‘Shattered’: Wallabies left heartbroken as France steal recreation in Paris to say eleventh straight win
Despite lacking quite a few first-choice gamers, Rennie’s Wallabies matched up fantastically towards Fabien Galthie’s Six Nations champions, and off the again of a powerful set-piece and defensive maul saved themselves alive within the contest.
But a poor attacking breakdown and a slipshod error within the midfield, the place a set-piece play as soon as once more broke down, allowed France to remain within the contest and ultimately pinch the victory on the loss of life.
In his return to the beginning line-up, tight-head prop Taniela Tupou had his finest efficiency within the No.3 jersey whereas Jock Campbell confirmed he’s greater than succesful as a world fullback.
The admirable efficiency, which former Wallabies star Drew Mitchell was fast to level out was nonetheless a loss, led many to counsel that Rennie ought to give the aspect that performed France one other likelihood to construct on combos after they tackle the Azzurri subsequent weekend.
“I think we need to start getting closer to settling (on) a team,” Mitchell stated on Stan.
“It doesn’t have to be the exact team that we’re going to be playing in the first pool game of the World Cup, but they need to start giving time for combinations.
“We’ve got to remember 2019, we didn’t know who our No.10 was, even going into the quarter-final let alone into the first game, especially crucial positions. We spoke about the French, (Romain) Ntamack, (Antoine) Dupont, (Thomas) Ramos, there’s combinations there through their club football into the internationals.
“Those areas are really crucial to build that combination, and off the back of building combinations you build confidence in each other and understanding in each other’s games.”
But with one eye on Ireland, in addition to a “significant” harm to centre Lalakai Foketi, Rennie is predicted to make quite a few adjustments.
Shortly after ending off an unbelievable, coast-to-coast staff strive, Foketi was compelled off with a shin harm. His harm will doubtless see Hunter Paisami return to the beginning aspect.
Rennie additionally stated Skelton was in-line to make his return to the beginning aspect after the La Rochelle lock had a powerful return by way of the bench.
“He’ll probably get a start next week,” Rennie stated.
“It was good to get him off the bench. I thought he had a really big impact as we’d expected, and I look forward to getting more minutes out of him next week.”
Should he begin, it is going to be the primary time the large lock was on the sphere from the outset since beginning towards Eddie Jones’ England in Sydney in 2016.
Cadeyrn Neville would doubtless be given the week off, with Darcy Swain additionally a contender to return by way of the bench after serving his suspension.
Captain James Slipper, hooker Dave Porecki and No.8 Rob Valetini might all be given every week off forward of the crunch Test towards the world No.1 Irish outfit, who held off the Springboks 19-16 in Dublin.
While Fraser McReight is one other who will doubtless come into the fray for Michael Hooper.
Wingers Jordan Petaia and Mark Nawaqanitawase is also included within the 23.
Halfback Jake Gordon is predicted to start out, with Rennie all however confirming he’ll proceed his rotation experiment final week which will even see Tate McDermott return by way of the bench.
Rennie will even be tempted at hand Noah Lolesio a Test, however given the significance of successful the match and Bernard Foley’s availability solely till the Ireland conflict, he could persist with the incumbent playmaker.
Whether Campbell is given one other go within the No.15 jersey shall be fascinating.
The 27-year-old was nearly faultless in his debut begin earlier than, by his personal admission, he didn’t deal with Penaud in what proved to be the match-winning strive.
But his strong night below the excessive ball, double contact within the lead-up to Foketi’s strive, and weaving runs confirmed he can play a task for the Wallabies shifting ahead.
“We’ll definitely make changes next week,” Rennie stated.
“I’ve talked about sharing the load. Playing five tests against Six Nations sides in consecutive weeks is pretty demanding.
“We want to utilize squad and give guys opportunities to impress.
“But we’re not going to do anything that doesn’t respect Italy. They had an excellent win and we’re well aware of their ability.
“We’re also looking big picture. We’re going to Ireland the following week and Wales the week after that, and we need to utilize the whole squad.”