The 2022 Wallabies simply can’t catch a break.
Dave Rennie’s squad was ravaged by injury throughout the July series loss to England and Samu Kerevi’s season-ending ACL tear at the Commonwealth Games was a major blow to their Rugby Championship hopes.
Now the tourists have been forced to dig deep into their squad stocks again with starting hooker Dave Porecki concussed at training in Argentina.
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Dave Porecki passes the ball during a Wallabies captain’s run. (Getty)
The Waratahs rake has been ruled out of Sunday’s (5.10am AEST) opening Test against the Pumas in Mendoza, with Folau Fainga’a expected to replace him in the No.2 jersey.
That would mean a bench role for Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan while his club teammate Billy Pollard is being rushed to South America as cover in the crucial position.
Pollard is one of Australian rugby’s most exciting young prospects and his power and athleticism was coveted by legendary NRL coaches Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy before committing to rugby.
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Billy Pollard of Australia A at Churchill Park. (Getty)
Pollard is match hardened after playing for Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup against Samoa, Fiji and Tonga in July.
It is hoped Porecki will be available for the second Test in San Juan.
Rennie will announce his team at Friday 5am (AEST) with Waratahs veteran Jed Holloway tipped to make his Test debut at blindside flanker.
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Source by [Livezstream.com]
