Dave Rennie maintains homegrown stance ahead of rapid-fire France series

Thu, May 13, 2021, 8:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has reaffirmed his preference to select Australian-based players.

Rennie spoke to media on Thursday as Rugby Australia announced a new partnership with Cadbury, which will see the company come on as a major partner for the next five years, starting with July's three-Test series.

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The restricted nature of the World Rugby schedule and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 will see both sides play the series within 10 days.

The short nature ensures the Wallabies will take a larger squad than usual according to Rennie, who is looking to pick up to 38 players for the series.

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Whilst the schedule is far from ideal, Rennie was thankful to have the opportunity to play International Rugby against a European opponent after a disrupted 2020.

“We’ve just got to plan for it. We know what’s happening now and we’re thankful to play international footy,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“Playing three Tests against France is really important for us because we’re playing one of the best sides in the world and financial for the game in this country.

“We’ve got a real positive mindset around it. We’ll work the boys hard leading into the Test, we’ve got a six-day turnaround (between First and Second) which is pretty good and then the short turnaround, we won’t do much tough work, more around recovery and clarity.

“We’ve got a plan. It may involve utilising more numbers in our squads but we’d also back a number of guys to back up for that short turnaround.”

He is set to receive a pair of massive inclusions, with locks Matt Philip and Izack Rodda set to be available for selection, set to be available for the series.

Philip, who is battling for survival with French club Pau, will likely return to Australia in mid-June pending a playoff whilst Rodda will make his return after Lyon's finals change in the Top 14.

It continues Rennie insistence on selecting homegrown players despite the relaxation of the 'Giteau Law', confirming they will not look overseas unless there is a serious injury crisis.

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This comes as the push for damaging lock Will Skelton's return grows as he tears up European Rugby.

Rennie confirmed discussions with the former Waratah, although conceded that the mouth-watering paycheck and the favourable European lifestyle would be tough for any player to turn down.

“We’re always talking to players overseas and trying to lure them back to Super Rugby. It’s the ideal scenario because it strengthens our competition and we can look at them from here,” he added.

“The challenge for guys like Will is finance, the sort of money we’re talking about over there is phenomenal and you’ve got to prepared to give that up to chance a Wallabies jersey and I understand that some will prefer to stay in Japan or France because they can set themselves for life.

“We’re trying to create a culture and environment that people want to be a part of and come back knowing they can still head overseas.

“I spoke to Will when he got to La Rochelle… watch this space. It’s a similar story with Rory Arnold and everyone overseas.”

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