Australia v Ireland: Wallabies call up for scrum-half Jake Gordon
Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugby
| Third Test: Australia v Ireland |
|---|
| Date: Saturday, 23 June Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kick-off: 11:05 BST |
| Coverage: Text commentary and match report on BBC Sport website |
Scrum-half Jake Gordon has been called up to the Australia squad as an injury replacement for Will Genia ahead of the decisive third Test against Ireland.
The Waratahs player has been added to the panel to provide cover for club-mate Nick Phipps, who is now expected to start the final Test in Sydney.
Joe Powell of the Brumbies is the other specialist scrum-half in the squad.
Genia has been ruled out for six weeks with a broken arm he sustained after a collision with Ireland prop Cian Healy.
Genia, 30, was one of the stand out performers in Australia's nine-point victory in the opening Test in Brisbane and his absence will be a major blow for head coach Michael Cheika as they prepare for the series decider.
"He's an integral part of the team, there's no doubt about that, he's part of our strategy group and he's had a very good combination there with the forward pack and the backline," said Australia attack coach Stephen Larkham, who revealed that Genia has already had surgery on the injury.
Gordon, 24, has flown back to Australia from Japan after playing for the Waratahs in an exhibition match in Tokyo.
The Sydney native could now win his first Test cap on Saturday.
Wallabies consider protest
Larkham has also revealed that Australia may lodge a complaint with match officials over the way Ireland attempted to frustrate Israel Folau in Melbourne.
Folau's aerial dominance helped the Wallabies to win the first Test but he was less influential as Ireland levelled the series.
The hosts felt their full-back's route to the ball was repeatedly blocked and may make an official complaint ahead of Saturday's decider.
"It's in our hands, it's something that we have to sit down with the referees and discuss," added Larkham.
"They might have a different opinion and every team in world rugby uses it and every team in Super Rugby uses it as well.
"But for us I think it's two-fold. It's one, getting the kicks accurate so that our chasers aren't running between two or three guys, and then to bring it to the referees' attention just to make sure that everything is legal there.
"I think Ireland did a fantastic job at slowing the ball down and again you've got to look at their tactics and say: is it something we need to bring up with the referee?"