The Wallabies have confirmed London Irish prop Ollie Hoskins will join the squad for the rest of the Spring Tour.
Hoskins comes into the side short on props, with Taniela Tupou racing the clock to be fit for Sunday morning’s (AEDT) clash with England.
Catch all the action in the Spring Tour on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Tupou was forced off the field after a head knock in their two-point loss to Scotland, failing the resulting HIA.
Given the six-day gap between games, the barnstorming 25-year-old is at long odds to be named by Dave Rennie on late Thursday evening despite seemingly being in good spirits.
“He seemed alright yesterday (Monday) so hopefully he goes all good, he still has a couple of protocols to pass,” scrum-half Nic White told media on Tuesday.
With Pone Fa’amausili staying at home after aggravating a calf injury, Hoskins has been added to the squad, with the former Force prop unable to hide the excitement.
“It’s surreal - it’s something that I thought was off the table for me when I moved over here and set-up my life here. They’ve obviously recently changed the laws - so when I got that phone call last night, it was an incredible moment,” he said via the London Irish site
“Obviously nothing is guaranteed in terms of playing time, but just to receive the call-up and be considered is a huge privilege and confirmation that I’m on the right path and doing the right things.
“I’m just going to lap up the experience and hopefully come back a better man and a better player.”
Hoskins made his debut for the Force in 2014, playing 26 Super Rugby games for the club before making to move to England two years later.
The 28-year-old has since become a stalwart of the London-based club with 123 appearances to his name.
He will likely compete with current Force prop Tom Robertson for a spot on the bench, with Robertson used as tighthead cover throughout the Rugby Championship.
Alternatively, Rennie has the option to move James Slipper from his preferred position, which he was forced to do last week with Tupou and Alaalatoa on the sidelines during the second half of the defeat.
READ MORE:
WARY: White refusing to buy into mind games
SETBACK: Marler tests positive for COVID
RETIREMENT: Green departs Sevens
Alaalatoa will still have to pass his own protocols to be fit for the clash despite returning to the field, which could see the Wallabies field a new-look front-row.
Meanwhile, England has their own front-row concern after a positive COVID test ruled out Joe Mauler.
They have added Sale prop Bevan Rodd to their squad after confirmation no other players had tested positive.
