Sydney – This hit comes for the Wallabies. Veteran prop Alan Araratour missed the third final test against the British and Ireland Lions in Sydney on Saturday.
Araratoa suffered a shoulder injury in the Wallabies’ catastrophic 29-26 loss at MCG. This concludes the Lions’ first series victory since 2013, when it was last in Australia.
Tighthead was replaced by Tom Robertson in Halftime. Wallabies’ scrum has struggled for much of the second half after that.
Araratoa’s absence was able to open the door for a final hit for Prop Taniera Tupu, who was impressed by First Nations Pacifica XV’s narrow loss to the Lions in last week’s final tour match.
Tupou has a two-year contract with French Club Racing 92, and while Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt expects to move on from his favorite rugby championship props as a result, Tighthead will have a grace this weekend.
Another option is Tom Robertson or Red’s Prop Zane Nongol, who replaced Araratoa from the Melbourne bench. Meanwhile, James Slippers were able to theoretically switch from the loose head side, which allows Angus Bell to start with the first jersey.
Meanwhile, the dropout from Saturday’s thriller’s controversial conclusion on MCG continues, with the Wallabies rejecting claims from the British media that Carlo Tizzano “dives” on Monday with a match-defined clean-out from Jack Morgan.
Former England backlower James Haskell was one of many experts to blame Tizzano for criticizing the playful action.
But speaking to the media on Monday, Wallabies Rock Nick Frost denied that Tizzano would pose as an injury and help him grab the attention of officials who later determined that a clean-out was legal after several replays.
“It’s tough. It’s tough when you’re not on the field, when you have a former player or something different, but it’s tough for people who go out and put their bodies on the field every day (on the line), especially guys like Carlo, especially those who compete,” Frost said.
“And even the tight five will harm you, and that’s tough for him (Titsno).” The Wallabies also have a new winger on Saturday, with Harry Potter already setting up an extended stint on the bystanders due to a hamstring injury.
Dylan Piechu can win his first Test start, but Joseph Oakso Suaari called for one spot to move into the wing, opening up the opportunity for Hunter Paisami to return to 12 and shift to the center position where Len Ikitau is more preferred.
There is also uncertainty around Rob Valletini. Rob Valletini didn’t return at halftime on Saturday, but Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the decision was more preventative as the backrower “tightened.”