Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Carter Gordon injury concerns have forced the Wallabies into another flyhalf reshuffle, with the Queensland Reds playmaker ruled out of the next two Tests after hurting his calf.
Gordon was substituted during Australia’s 33-31 loss to Ireland in Sydney and was due to be tested at Ballymore on Tuesday, but he was unable to train before Saturday night’s France Test in Brisbane.
The setback comes after the Wallabies vs France Test carried a 10-year low warning following the Ireland heartbreak.
Donaldson And Meredith In Frame
Ben Donaldson took charge late against Ireland after Gordon limped off, but missed two long-range penalty attempts that could have won the match.
ACT Brumbies playmaker Declan Meredith is also in camp and could make his Test debut at Suncorp Stadium.
Gordon had combined well with Ryan Lonergan as Australia built a 12-point lead before Ireland fought back.
“He played really well,” teammate Fraser McReight said of Gordon.
“Devastated for him and I guess injuries are a part of rugby and we’ve always said, ‘next man up’.
“We’ve got Donno and Dec, both had great seasons pushing their case.”
Wallabies Seek Calm Finish
McReight said Australia’s 12 penalties against Ireland were costly and called for better control when the Wallabies have the match in their hands.
“When we had them by the throat we didn’t go for the kill in the last five, 10 minutes of the first half,” he said.
“When we’ve got them, keep them down. Be cool, calm ... Joe (Schmidt) talks about being blue-headed, not red-headed.”
Incoming coach Les Kiss watched training on Tuesday but will stay in the background until after next week’s Test against Italy in Perth.
France are also set for changes after their narrow loss to New Zealand, with Damian Penaud out injured and Romain Ntamack, Emmanuel Meafou and other Top 14 final players joining the tour.
Official rugby updates are available through World Rugby.
