Petaia's Wallabies debut on ice after being ruled out of Italy match
Padua: Jordan Petaia, the 18-year-old winger who was set to make his Wallabies debut this weekend, has been cruelly ruled out of Saturday’s match against Italy with a hamstring injury.
Despite being extremely keen to take the field in Padua, Petaia was advised by Wallabies staff that it was not wise to play with any kind of niggle.
Petaia, who plays for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, would have been the third-youngest debutant in Wallabies history behind Brian Ford (18 years and 90 days) and James O’Connor (18 years and 126 days).
Even if Petaia’s hamstring injury recovers by next week, as Wallabies officials are saying it should, it is unlikely he will be selected to face England at Twickenham for what looms as Australia’s biggest challenge on the spring tour.
Marika Koroibete comes into Australia’s starting side on the left wing after missing out on selection in last week’s 9-6 loss to Wales.
Meanwhile, Rory Arnold has also had to stand down for the Italy match after suffering a small fracture to his eye socket at training on Thursday.
The big second-rower split his eyebrow late in the session and got stitched up shortly after at the team hotel. He then picked up a small fracture, meaning the Wallabies will now play Rob Simmons on the bench.
The Wallabies have had terrible luck this year in the 48 hours before kick-off. The likes of Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Israel Folau and Tatafu Polota-Nau have all been ruled out of matches after being picked to play on the Thursday.
Australia have never lost to Italy and will be looking continue their unblemished record against the Azzurri.
Wallabies team
(1-15): Scott Sio, Folau Faingaa, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Jake Gordon, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Samu Kerevi, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jermaine Ainsley, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Will Genia, Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty.
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