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The Wallabies’ hopes of snapping a 39-year drought at Eden Park have suffered a blow, with star back-rower Rob Valetini ruled out of next week’s opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.
Just two days after being named in Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad, Rugby Australia confirmed on Saturday evening the 27-year-old would not travel to Auckland on Sunday due to “calf tightness”.
Valetini’s replacement is Pete Samu, who has not played a Test since 2023. It is a timely recall for the versatile back-rower, with Australia already missing powerhouse forward Will Skelton.
Valetini started at No.6 in Australia’s most recent outing – a 28-26 defeat to Argentina in Sydney – but has battled calf problems throughout the year.
He played just once in the British and Irish Lions series and was unavailable for the Wallabies’ breakthrough win against South Africa at Ellis Park.
The Wallabies say Valetini’s latest calf issue is different from the one he had earlier in the year. However, he can still run and will be monitored this week.
Rob Valetini of the Wallabies won’t take the field at Eden Park next week. Credit: Getty Images
It is unclear if Valetini will be fit for the second Bledisloe Test in Perth on October 4.
Valetini is one of Australia’s most damaging forwards, but the fact he hasn’t played every game this year will give Joe Schmidt’s men confidence they can rise to the occasion at Eden Park.
Australia’s remaining back-rowers in the squad are captain Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Tom Hooper, Nick Champion de Crespigny and now Samu, who has already been in Wallabies camp this year.
After representing the Wallabies in 33 Tests, Samu was overlooked for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and spent two seasons playing for Bordeaux in France.
Pete Samu could play his first Test in two years next week at Eden Park. Credit: Getty
Samu will play for the Waratahs next season and has committed to Australian rugby until the 2027 World Cup.
The Wallabies have a huge assignment ahead of them, given they haven’t beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986.
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Australia must win in Auckland to keep the Bledisloe Cup alive, given it is now a two-match series and the All Blacks hold the trophy.
The All Blacks are under intense scrutiny after a record 43-10 loss to South Africa last week.
However, New Zealand have not lost a Test at Eden Park since 1994 when France secured a 23-20 victory.
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