A visa delay on his exit to England has enabled shunned former Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to answer a remarkable SOS for Saturday night’s Test in Sydney.
The 30-Test forward and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase were today ushered into the injury-hit Wallabies squad to prepare for the series-decider against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
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Salakaia-Loto, 25, could even find himself on the bench for the third Test just months after not being offered a substantial contract by Rugby Australia to stay in the country.
It was that call that triggered Salakaia-Loto, in February, to sign a one-year deal to play with the Northampton Saints in England for the 2022-23 season.
No new deal in Australia and angst at being benched behind journeyman Connor Vest for the May 14 game against the Blues fed into a less than optimum mindset for the third of his comeback games for the Queensland Reds after an ankle injury had disrupted his Super Rugby Pacific season.
Disgruntlement at being left out of the Reds’ starting team and muted displays coming back from injury fed into coach Brad Thorn not selecting him for the team’s back-to-back games against the Crusaders to finish the season.
The premature end to a fine Reds career can’t be explained by one reason but not using a fit 30-Test forward for a finals match in Christchurch was a head-shaker.
Salakaia-Loto told rugby.com.au he had no intention of raking over the recent past.
“I can’t change what happened and I don’t have anything to say on it,” Salakaia-Loto said.
The towering forward had not yet heard from the Wallabies when he discussed how fierce his drive was to still play in a gold jersey.
“It’s definitely not over at 30 Tests. I want to be able to build a case for 31 and if that is from England that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.
He hadn’t even processed a potential call-up to face England.
“If something crazy happens, I’ll definitely be fit, super keen and ready,” he said.
Away from the spotlight, Salakaia-Loto has played six club games for Souths in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition to stay sharp.
He played three games in eight days recently when the Magpies played midweek to catch-up on a washed-out match from earlier in the season.
He smashed his way through five defenders to score one try against Easts in the distinctive No.19 jersey he has worn as a starter throughout his club stint.
The club didn’t have a No.4 jersey big enough for the physical 118kg giant which is exactly how the Wallabies want him to play if needed. Cadeyrn Neville (knee) and Darcy Swain (suspended) are out and Jed Holloway's injury status is clouded.
Salakaia-Loto played nine Tests under Rennie in 2020-21, knows the Wallabies' systems and has valuable Test experience for the blowtorch that the English pack will apply in Sydney.
Many have a right to still shake their heads that an Australia A program is underway to develop match-fit back-ups, only for a replacement from that team to be ignored. Queensland lock Ryan Smith has a strong Reds and A team form line but does not have a minute of Test experience when that counts for much in this one-off scenario.
“I played three times in a week and all 80-minute games. I feel sharp and anyone watching me can see I’m having fun with my footy. I’ve got that back playing for my club,” Salakaia-Loto said
This is a sliding doors moment to show coach Dave Rennie he still has what it takes to be a Wallaby. He might already have been on a flight to England but for the time it is taking for a visa to be processed.
“The visa has taken longer than I thought. I was told the visa might take six or seven weeks and the plan has always been to fly there as soon as I receive it,” Salakaia-Loto said when his call-up was still only rumoured.
Wallabies great Chris Latham is on the Souths’ coaching staff and gave the big forward a strong tick.
“Lukhan has really contributed. He’s been a leader, a big calming presence and, on the field, his talk is always about the next job to be done."
