The Wallabies have called Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Mark Nawaqanitawase into their injury-ravaged squad ahead of the series decider against England on Saturday.
Salakaia-Loto, a lock/blindside flanker, has been playing club rugby since being frozen out by Reds coach Brad Thorn in the latter stages of Super Rugby Pacific.
But the 25-year-old is a proven and hardened 30 Test player who provides cover following the loss of Cadeyrn Neville (knee), Darcy Swain (suspension), Jed Holloway (calf) and Ned Hanigan (knee).
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Nawaqanitawase is an uncapped Waratahs speedster who has been playing in the Pacific Nations Cup with Australia A.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout Super Rugby season and comes into the Test fold following the loss of Jordan Petaia (concussion), Izaia Perese (knee), Andrew Kellaway (hamstring) and Tom Banks (arm).
Reece Hodge, Tom Wright and James O’Connor are the leading options to wear the cursed fullback jersey at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the Wallabies sweat on the fitness of Allan Alaalatoa (concussion), centre Len Ikitau (calf), five-eighth Quade Cooper (calf) and Scott Sio (arm/shoulder).
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“I may as well just go to the second row next week,” Wallabies prop James Slipper joked.
“It’s obviously a test. But I’ve been proud of every bloke that’s come into the jersey. Nick (Frost) did a wonderful job off the bench and one thing I do know at the moment is there’s a lot of depth in our squad.
“They’re not there just to make up the numbers, they’re there on merit and they’re really challenging for those spots.
“I won’t say I’m stressed about it at all. Next man up, let’s roll. Big game. There will be a lot on the line and what a spot to do it at.”
England have their own injury issues with coach Eddie Jones confirming that star lock Maro Itoje would miss the decider after copping a heavy head knock.
Flankers Sam Underhill (HIA) and Jack Willis (ribs) are both doubtful with Lewis Ludlam the next cab off the rank following Tom Curry’s (concussion) return home.
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