Quade Cooper – Michmutters
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Wallabies vs Argentina, Lalakai Foketi, Giteau Law, World Cup, LIV golf, video

Amid golfer Cameron Smith’s rumored decision to take the money and run to LIV, Lalakai Foketi – the relatively unknown Test center – showed that there are still some things in professional sport that money can’t buy. In his case of him, a Wallabies jersey.

The question, however, is for how long, particularly with chatter that Rugby Australia’s eligibility laws will be blown up for next year’s World Cup.

It’s understood in March that Foketi, 27, turned down hundreds of thousands of dollars for the chance to continue his career for the Wallabies.

With his career progression at the Waratahs slowed by injuries, he was offered a large contract worth more than $500,000 to join French Top 14 club Clermont.

He turned it down, but not long after fellow Australian Irae Simone took the money and, therefore, will unlikely ever play for the Wallabies again based on Rugby Australia’s new Overseas Player Selection Policy.

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Lalakai Foketi opted to stay in Australia for the chance to play for the Wallabies instead of taking up an offer overseas.  Photo: Getty Images
Lalakai Foketi opted to stay in Australia for the chance to play for the Wallabies instead of taking up an offer overseas. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Foketi, who made his debut against Wales last November, will start for the first time in the No.12 jersey in the absence of Samu Kerevi and Hunter Paisami.

Simone is in-line to play his third Test, after curiously being named on the bench ahead of Noah Lolesio.

You wonder what Lolesio, who played all three Tests against England, and Suliasi Vunivalu, the two-time NRL premiership winner, must be thinking after being left out?

After all, it was only recently the duo re-signed with Rugby Australia.

Now both are seemingly sliding down the pecking order, while in the case of Vunivalu, the high-profile recruit has only been afforded a couple of minutes off the bench at the SCG.

Yet the decision by Foketi to turn down the money is curious.

He is not the only Australian player to turn down overseas offers, or indeed return home, for the lure of the gold jersey.

Nic White and Matt To’omua craved the chance to play for the Wallabies and returned home ahead of the 2019 World Cup to pursue their international debuts.

Others. like James O’Connor, followed suit.

Rising star Nick Frost managed to recently get out of a deal to join Robbie Deans at Panasonic. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Nick Frost, the 22-year-old rising star, also reneged on a deal to join Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japanese League One competition.

After a cracking game for the Brumbies, Frost’s coach Dan McKellar raised the possibility of him opting out. RA, along with his management of him and the blessing on the Japanese club, skilfully managed to get the second-rower out of the deal.

It’s a different story for Foketi because as talented as the center is, he still did not make Rennie’s initial squad for the England series. Only injury, as well as Kerevi’s desire to represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games, saw the Waratah called up.

Players like Foketi, as well as Hamish Stewart who too craves a Wallabies cap, are the bread and butter of domestic rugby. Without them, the game Down Under would have invested too much in too few leaving too little for the raw talent underneath.

“I went away after I finished school. I debuted for the Rebels and then went to France when I was young and quickly realized that this is the dream and this is what I wanted to do my rugby career,” Foketi said on Friday.

“I’m grateful that I’m here and I’ve just been working hard to get to this point.

“With other options and stuff, (they) haven’t really been at the forefront of my mind. My family’s happy in Sydney, and that’s another big reason, but this is always the pinnacle of rugby, for me.”

READ MORE

O’Connor’s moment of truth as Rennie names veteran Wallaby at 10 for crunch TRC Test

Quade’s RWC dream in doubt after devastating injury blow leaves No.10 jersey wide open

Lalakai Foketi celebrates a try at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Waratahs. Photo; Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

It is why RA, privately and publicly, will not entertain opening the floodgates and pick widely from overseas because the fear is it will decimate Super Rugby and cripple their stakeholders, namely the Super Rugby franchises, especially in non-World Cup years.

Next year will be the litmus test. Even after Rennie floated the idea of ​​raising the possibility of adding an additional fourth “overseas” pick for the Rugby Championship before their tour of Argentina, RA was privately shutting down any hope of the third-year international coach being able to pick Rory Arnold, Kerevi, Marika Koroibete and Quade Cooper in the same squad.

Season-ending injuries to Cooper and Kerevi have saved Rennie from an intriguing decision.

Yet for months talk has bubbled under the surface that the eligibility criteria will be scrapped for the World Cup year, with as many as five or six players in the mix.

Whether that occurs remains to be seen and injuries could yet have a telling impact.

Japan-bound Rory Arnold will play for the Wallabies against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

But as world No.2 golfer Smith sits on a reported $140 million deal to join the LIV Golf Series, sports stars across the world are increasingly choosing money over legacy.

Who can blame them? Private equity, and new found success, seems like the only way to put a lid on Wallabies heading overseas.

How sustainable it is remains questionable, but given Australia is hosting a World Cup in 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s) the governing body will do everything it can to keep players at home.

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Wallabies forced into more changes for Argentina Test, Hunter Paisami injury, Quade Cooper, video

The Wallabies will be forced to go to the well again, with Hunter Paisami expected to be ruled out of their second Rugby Championship Test against Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas in San Juan.

It’s understood the center, who laid on the Wallabies’ bonus point win with a sublime run and offload in the final play of the game, has suffered a head knock.

His injury will see yet another backline reshuffle, with Lalakai Foketi expected to be named in the No.12 jersey. Irae Simone, who was a late call-up to the squad and will head to Clermont following the two-Test tour of Argentina, is firming for a remarkable return via the bench.

Foketi won’t be the only change either.

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The change at inside center could see the Wallabies opt for the experienced head of James O’Connor to fill the No.10 jersey following Quade Cooper’s devastating season ending injury.

Should Dave Rennie indeed turn to O’Connor, the Test shapes as a crunch one for the 32-year-old, who lost some backers following his poor second half against England in Brisbane last month. Never mind that he was under done and playing away from his preferred position and the lack of time in the saddle showed.

Part of the thinking could be that in Bledisloe III, 2020, Rennie was forced to select the uncapped duo of Noah Lolesio and Simone at 10 and 12 and their inexperience showed as the All Blacks smashed the Wallabies at the Olympic Stadium. Rolling out Lolesio, who is still growing as a player at 22, and Foketi, who will play his second Test, could leave them short of experience and leadership in the backline.

Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43

Utility Reece Hodge, who stepped into the hot seat at No.10 early in the second half and was assured and kicked his goals, all but confirmed he wouldn’t start when he indicated on Wednesday that either O’Connor or Lolesio would start in the role.

“Rabs (O’Connor) has got his body in really good shape and he’s been training well the last month and really pushing for selection,” Hodge said.

“Whether it’s him or Noah who get the nod heading into this weekend, we’re confident that both of them are in great physical shape and both training really well, so whoever steers us around will have the full confidence of the squad.”

Meanwhile, Allan Alaalatoa’s (personal reasons) return to Australia has opened the door for Pone Fa’amausili to make his debut off the bench.

The Rebels tight-head prop has long been knocking on the door and been a part of the Wallabies’ squad since 2020.

But stuck behind Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou, who will start against Los Pumas, and plagued by injuries, the giant wrecking-ball, who was compared to the ‘Tongan Thor’ before the series by Rennie, he has been forced to bide his time and get himself into physical shape.

The potential of Fa’amausili is immense, but the weekend’s Test will be his moment of truth.

Elsewhere, Rennie could yet be swayed to return to Rory Arnold – one of Rennie’s international picks – and having been eased back into the squad following a minor injury, he could yet start.

The Test shapes as a significant one for the Wallabies.

Hunter Paisami is expected to be ruled out of their second Rugby Championship Test.
Hunter Paisami is expected to be ruled out of their second Rugby Championship Test.Source: Getty Images

If they pull off back to back wins it will leave them in great shape to give The Rugby Championship a real shake.

The rejigged format of the competition, which includes tours for the first time, will see the Wallabies have the luxury of playing three of the next four Tests on home soil, including consecutive matches against the world champion Springboks.

For the first time in years too, the All Blacks are vulnerable and down on confidence having lost three straight Tests. A fourth consecutive loss to the Springboks could force a coaching change, with Ian Foster on the chopping block.

Cheika’s Pumas will be out for revenge, however, noting their second half disaster, where they were penalized out of the game and smashed at the rolling maul, killed them.

With an inexperienced, lighter front-row to come off the bench for the Wallabies though, the Pumas have the chance to go after their opposition.

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Wallabies player ratings from Argentina win, Quade Cooper, Fraser McReight, video highlights

Dave Rennie’s team is full of character. That much is certain.

The Wallabies have once again won a Test they had every right not to.

After losing their best back Samu Kerevi, they lost their consistent hooker Dave Porecki throughout the week and their talismanic captain Michael Hooper 24 hours out from kick off.

Then, compounding the issues, they lost their quarterback and most experienced back Quade Cooper, who was forced off and might not play for the Wallabies again. This was a devastating blow, and his loss from him could be felt hardest next year if, indeed, the extraordinary playmaker does not recover in time to play at his third World Cup.

Making their 41-26 come-from-behind victory all the more extraordinary was that they trailed 19-10 at half-time and 26-17 midway through the second half.

Yet on the back of a fabulous second half, where the Wallabies went back to basics and did a number of Argentina’s set-piece, particularly at the maul (well done Dan McKellar), but the Wallabies won and earned a bonus point with the last play of the game.

Players like Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight, who were quiet in the first-half and gave penalties away too, had second halves to remember as they played their role in doing it for ‘Hoops’.

Here are our player ratings from the 15-point win, which saw the Wallabies move to the top of The Rugby Championship standings.

READ MORE

Quade’s RWC dream in doubt after devastating injury blow leaves No.10 jersey wide open

Wallabies’ stunning, bonus-point victory comes at a giant cost as Quade ruled out for the year

The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza.  Photo: AFP
The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Tom Wright- 8

There’s something beautiful about watching Wright play in the outside backs. He’s such a gifted runner and playmaker that he looks like he could do something with every touch of the ball.

Importantly the mistakes have largely been cut out and the Brumbies back should be named in the No.15 jersey again after an excellent first start in the role.

Wright’s running play was again a feature and was first on display at the 24th minute.

Later, in the 43rd minute, he combined spectacularly with Cooper from a quick lineout, dummied, ran and sent Jordan Petaia away and got the ball back before slinging it back in the field where Holloway almost scored.

His clearing kick in the 55th minute, however, was something to learn from. Kicking has to be done with purpose and rather than see the man open and unmarked in the middle of the field, Wright under pressure smashed it down field and Argentina countered and scored. It was excellent running rugby, but Wright was gassed on the other side of the field as his efforts were in vain.

Regardless, this was a good first-up showing from the new fullback.

Jordan Petaia – 7

Did little wrong, but was a little quiet – in large part because of the new, clunky combinations at 9-10-12.

But Petaia scored after running a good line off Cooper.

His slips catch, break and kick to a barnstorming Nick Frost in the 84th minute also set-up the Wallabies’ bonus point fifth try.

Physically Petaia stood up to the test, too.

Len Ikitau – 6.5

Strong on either side of the ball, Ikitau showed up in lights when he scored.

But before then he had a couple of good runs, including a flick out the back door to the ever-impressive Rob Valetini, and defensively was strong.

Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43

Hunter Paisami – 7

In the absence of Kerevi, Paisami had a reasonable showing.

The chunkiness of the backline at times became from the new combinations, as well as the change from Cooper to Reece Hodge.

But Paisami regularly challenged the line, including his last second linebreak and pinpoint pass to Ikitau to score.

Earlier, in the sixth minute, he overtracked in defense when Pablo Matera scored but that was because his forwards had left a gaping hole around the ruck near their own goal line/A couple of good show and goes late in the second half.

Marika Koroibete – 6.5

Busy as always and showing a good awareness of the laws of the game (clear release and go), Koroibete hardly put a foot wrong against Argentina.

He did, however, get pinged for an extra roll in the 30th minute, but that was likely in an attempt to buy some more time for his teammates after Wright’s inside ball.

Quade Cooper suffered a devastating injury against Argentina in his comeback match. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Quad Cooper – 6.5

Forced off in the 48th minute due to a severe Achilles injury, Cooper’s season is over in the most devastating circumstances.

There was the good: his beautiful ball to Petaia to score, the linebreak through the middle and the twinkle feet.

There was the bad: the offload in contact in the opening minute after Nic White’s box kick was charged down.

But there was also voice, direction and purpose in what was his first game in months.

Cooper showed some physicality in defense too, while he was pinged at the breakdown once, but he was engaged and ever present.

Nick White – 6.5

Charged down in the opening minute, it looked like it could be a long day early for the Wallabies.

White’s kicking game was a feature and twice the halfback managed to get incredible angle from his clearing kicks past halfway.

Rob Valetini – 9

The engine behind the Wallabies’ win, Valetini was everywhere.

Valetini was strong carrying and regularly powered the Wallabies over the advantage line.

It started from the outset too, with storming runs in the eighth minute, which allowed Cooper to slot an early three points.

Some poor hands in the 25th minute hurt, but otherwise Valetini was the Wallabies’ best ball-runner.

Australia’s Rob Valetini (C) was one of the Wallabies’ best. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Fraser McReight – 7.5

Stepping in at the last moment for Hooper, McReight showed how capable he is in his first Test start.

After a frustrating first-half, which included not being passed the ball after Cooper’s linebreak and was pinged at the breakdown for side entry, McReight had a second half to remember.

He scored a try from a lineout move and regularly got his hands on the ball, too. Physicality McReight stood up.

From a balance perspective, McReight seemed to compliment Valetini and Jed Holloway very well.

Jed Holloway – 6

By his own admission, Holloway had an unfortunate first half but got better as the game went on.

He was pinged a couple of times for penalties – jumping across the lineout in the fifth minute, hick tackle in 36rd and landing on the lifter in the 40th – even though the latter was unfortunate and he won the ball.

But Holloway’s second half was excellent and included some incredible hands on the deck, dragging McReight over the try line and some physicality in defense too.

Matt Philip – 6.5

A strong lineout steal in the 31st minute, Philip’s lineout work was strong.

His missed tackle on Marcos Kremer in the 51st minute came back not to haunt him fortunately, as the Pumas No.10 dropped it cold with the line in sight.

Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight had days to remember at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Darcy Swain – 9.5

The Wallaby’s best game.

Swain was brilliant at the lineout, in the maul, in contact, and even allowed space to open up for Cooper to run into.

The returning lock even got on the ball in the 17th minute to win a breakdown penalty.

Allan Alaalatoa – 6

Penalized once again the scrum for walking the scrum around

Alaalatoa managed some grunt and put the foundations in place for Tupou to then explode into.

Folau Fainga’a enjoyed his best performance in the Wallabies jersey. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Folau Fainga’a – 9

The Force-bound hooker doesn’t always get a rap for his lineout work, but Fainga’a’s throw was excellent all day and his attention to detail was evident.

The Wallabies’ lineout was a weapon and Fainga’a was at the epicenter of it, scoring a try, contributing to a penalty try and another to McReight.

James Slipper – 7.5

The Wallabies captain didn’t necessarily take the game by storm, but he gets another point for his leadership and ability to keep the squad focused following Hooper’s late withdrawal.

The scrum largely operated well with him on, while defensively he was strong.

Slipper’s decision making on when to take the points and when to go to the lineout also paid off.

James Slipper receives The Puma Trophy after winning The Rugby Championship against the Argentina Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

BOOK

Lachlan Lonergan – N/A

Came on late in the 72nd minute, Lonergan was busy and did little wrong.

Matt Gibbon – N/A

On debut, Gibbon replaced Slipper at the death.

He was pinged for in the 75th minute at the scrum.

Taniela Tupou – 7.5

A couple of brilliant runs in defense and some great scrummaging, Tupou had a massive influence on the game after coming after 53 minutes.

Nick Frost – 6.5

A real player for the future What about the pace to reel in Petaia’s kick in the 85th minute?

Rob Leota – N/A

Another to come on late. Leota had a strong carry.

Pete Samu – 6

Played his part in the second half as the Wallabies made the most of their momentum.

Jake Gordon – N/A

Gordon came on in the final 10 minutes but got away with a flat ball to Paisami, who sent Ikitau in.

Reece Hodge – 7.5

Kicked his goals, was composed with and without the ball. Job done.

But did the forward pass to Koroibete in the 67th minute show his playmaker shortcomings? His body shape of him was interesting to observe.

Either way, Hodge once again showed how important he is to the Wallabies squad.

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Wallabies vs Argentina, live, scores, result, team news, highlights, Michael Hooper

Welcome to live coverage of the Wallabies vs Argentina from Mendoza. Follow all the live action in our blog below!

The Michael Hooper-less Wallabies have it all to in the second half in Mendoza, with the visitors trailing Michael Cheika’s Argentina Pumas 19-10.

Without their captain, the Wallabies started slowly with their discipline, ball security and clearing kicks poor.

The Wallabies trailed 7-0 after a try to Pablo Matera, which came after Nic White and Quade Cooper failed to clear their own line from the opening kick.

LIVE MATCH CENTER: CLICK HERE

Three points to Cooper settled down proceedings, but Argentina managed to restore their converted try margin soon after.

Some Cooper magic sent Jordan Petaia over to score, before the Wallabies returned to their ill-discipline ways as Emiliano Boffelli added another two penalties to give the Pumas a 19-10 lead at half-time.

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Jordan Petaia scores a try against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza, Argentina.  Photo: Getty Images
Jordan Petaia scores a try against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Fraser McReight is playing in the No.7 jersey following Hooper’s withdrawal on the eve of the Rugby Championship opener.

The Reds No.7 is one of eight changes to the starting side, which is missing hooker Dave Porecki and center Samu Kerevi.

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Jed Holloway, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper (c)

Reservations: Lachlan Lonergan, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge

COUGARS (15-1): Juan Cruz Mallia, Santiago Cordero, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Carreras, Tomas Cubelli, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya (c), Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro

Reservations: Agustin Creevy, Thomas Gallo, Joel Sclavi, Santiago Grondona, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Albornoz, Matias Moroni

Follow all the live action in our blog below!

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Rugby sevens, injury news, Samu Kerevi, update, Wallabies vs Argentina, rugby championship

The Wallabies’ worst fears have been realized, with Samu Kerevi expected to miss the rest of the year due to a knee injury.

It’s understood Kerevi, 28, suffered an ACL injury during Australia’s narrow 7-5 victory over Kenya in their Commonwealth Games pool match over the weekend.

Kerevi took no further part in Australia’s campaign, where John Manenti’s side lost in the semi-finals to South Africa.

Rugby Australia had been cagey about details regarding Kerevi, eager not to let the cat out of the bag.

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Kerevi told reporters he felt “alright” and added “I’m always confident [to be fit to play] but I’ll get a doc on it and see. It was just a big bang but then once it settled down it was fine.”

But the Suntory center is expected to miss the remainder of the year, with sources confirming the 41-Test center is expected to spend at least six months on the sidelines.

Kerevi is said to be devastated, believing he has let his teammates down.

The Wallabies were happy for Kerevi to take part of Australia’s sevens campaign after the former Queensland Reds captain made a promise to his teammates from the Tokyo Olympics that he would try and help them win gold in Birmingham.

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Samu Kerevi was injured at the Commonwealth Games.  (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Samu Kerevi was injured at the Commonwealth Games. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“It was a tough decision in the end but I gave my word to these boys, if I was available to be back I’d be back here,” Kerevi told news corp in the lead-up to the Games.

“I’m blessed enough to be in this position and get selected for these Games. I’m pretty ecstatic about that.

“It’s pretty special to be part of this group and to represent Australia. It’s something I’ll always, always remember.

“But more than just participating, we want to be here and do well and win a medal – win a gold medal. That’s our goal and the boys are working hard towards that.”

After featuring in the No.12 jersey in all three Tests against England in July, Kerevi was always set to miss the opening two matches of The Rugby Championship against Michael Cheika’s Argentina because of his Commonwealth Games commitments.

The world class center was to link back with the squad ahead of the home Tests against the Springboks later this month, but that won’t be the case now.

There was an inherent risk about returning to the sevens program, particularly with the added miles in the legs required to succeed in the abbreviated game, but Wallabies coach Dave Rennie would have been sweating on his fitness, such is his importance to the team.

Speaking at the Wallabies’ squad announcement last month, Rennie said Kerevi had his blessing to play at the tournament and added that it would have only changed were they stretched to the limit in the centres.

England down Wallabies at Suncorp | 00:40

“Obviously Samu going away to the sevens, to the Commonwealth Games, we thought that was really important,” Rennie said.

“The initial talks we had a few months ago was if we got injuries maybe we wouldn’t let him go, but it’s important for our country to send away a strong side that’s got a chance of winning a medal – and the sevens boys have been going well of late and Samu will only add to that, so we’re committed to that.

“With Izzy Perese out injured, he’s (Irae Simone) coming in just to fill a role in the Argentinian tour and we’ll get Samu back after that.”

Kerevi’s long-term injury will put extra pressure on Hunter Paisami to perform, with the Reds center likely to wear the No.12 jersey against Los Pumas in Mendoza on Sunday (AEST).

Quade Cooper, meanwhile, is firming for a recall to the starting side, having missed the 2-1 series loss to England after suffering a calf injury during warm-up ahead of the opening Test.

Kerevi’s absence will allow Rennie to see how Cooper operates without his battering ram on the outside.

While Cooper won all five matches he featured in last year for the Wallabies, he benefitted from having Kerevi in ​​the midfield who acted as the great foil on his outside.

Now without the muscle of Kerevi to steady the ship if necessary Cheika’s Pumas will undoubtedly target Cooper and try and take away his space.

Argentina are coming off a thrilling 2-1 series victory against Scotland, in what was Cheika’s first Tests as coach after taking over from Mario Ledesma earlier in the year.

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