Swinton set to start for Wallabies as coaches weigh up team balance for second Test

Wed, Aug 11, 2021, 8:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies come up short despite strong second half at Eden Park

The Wallabies will be boosted by a host of returning players available for selection with Lachie Swinton set to start in this week's second Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Swinton missed the first Test with an ankle injury, however, is set to slot back into the starting side for the must-win clash.

Get your tickets now for The Rugby Championship now

Along with the NSW enforcer, Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White will be available for selection according to assistant Matt Taylor after overcoming a knee injury suffered before the France series.

White is joined by suspended Rebels Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa'amausili following their one-match suspension for breaking team protocols, with Taylor praising their response following the incident.

“They trained really hard last week even though they weren’t involved as such in all the team moves but they understood they let the team down," Taylor said on the trio.

“They’ve apologised and served their sanction and we’re happy to have them back. They’ve performed well at training today.”

To'omua gifts Banks with a easy five pointer

Their host of returns provides an interesting dilemma for the coaching staff as they deal with the nice problem that's come with the emerging depth in the Wallabies set-up.

In particular, the decision around Noah Lolesios' halves partner will be fascinating as White battles it out with Tate McDermott.

On White's side is his club combination with Lolesio, however, Taylor has admitted they need to start looking at the future as they look to give the young squad some much-needed experience.

“You’ve got one eye long-term on the (2023) World Cup and we understand there’s probably only 20 Tests until the next one so you want to give those younger guys by the World Cup comes around Tests so sometimes there’s sometimes a balancing act between winning Test-to-Test but also having the eye on the future,” he admitted.

“We know some of the younger guys may have 0-10 Tests now but could have 30-40 by come World Cup time so it’s a balancing game. Test-by-Test you are expected to win but there’s a real balance.”

"You pick the best team available to win a Test match and sometimes that’s part of the combination with who they are being selected with or the opposition."

READ MORE:

CHANGES: Springboks make ten changes

FORGIVEN: Suspended Wallabies trio earn trust back

ANTHEM-KILLER: The Wallabies last win over AB's in NZ

This is coupled with a lack of proper match practice the 42-man squad has received over the past month, with Taylor conceding they've had to rely on training form to ensure they pick the right squad to end the drought

“There might be guys who have done well at training and that’s the hard thing at the moment, there are plenty of guys who week-to-week aren’t playing games so sometimes you’ve got to pick on in terms of what they are doing at training.

“We’ve got to pick a team that we think is going to win a Test match at a place where we haven’t won in a long time.”

Share
Defiant Waratahs still upbeat after run of near misses
Rebels rally behind Tupou after slow start
Big boost for ailing Crusaders as Chiefs rest McKenzie
Super Rugby Women's Team of the Week: Looking at the best players from Round Two