Wallabies hit by another major blow
JOE Schmidt has been dealt another major blow in his preparations to face Wales, with star centre Len Ikitau reportedly ruled out of the first Test.
It is another setback for Schmidt who is looking to turn Australia’s fortunes around after their dismal showing at last year’s World Cup.
The latest blow comes after Kurtley Beale was carried off the pitch with an Achilles injury at the weekend, prompting fears his career may be over.
The 35-year-old was named in Schmidt’s 38-man Wallabies squad last week, but was helped off the field during Randwick’s 50-37 win over Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield on Saturday.
Beale had come off the bench in the clash but was carried off in the 59th minute.
Last week Beale spoke of his recall to the national side. “Not so much a shock,” he said. “(I’ve) been pondering it for a while now.
“Having the year off kind of allowed me to get myself ready physically, mentally, spiritually.”
Now, according to The Roar, Ikitau will also miss Saturday’s first Test because of a hamstring injury.
It says the 25-cap Wallaby suffered the injury in training last week.
It is a blow for Ikitau, who missed some of the Rugby Championship with a shoulder injury and was expected to play a big part in Schmidt’s plans for the upcoming series.
It means Australia’s head coach will have to look for other options at outside centre, with Josh Flook being tipped for the No. 13 jersey for the Sydney Test.
Australia have called Joey Walton into the squad as cover for Ikitau.
Wales will also be without a number of big names for the two-Test series.
Jac Morgan, who co-captained Wales at last year’s World Cup, has been ruled out through injury, while the likes of Will Rowlands, Josh Adams and Ryan Elias have been rested for the summer.