The Wallabies have made a late change to their bench for Saturday's crucial Rugby Championship clash against South Africa at Ellis Park. This decision comes after a re-evaluation of the flyhalf cover needed for veteran James O’Connor.
Coach Joe Schmidt has opted for Tane Edmed, who has one international cap, as the replacement. Loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny, initially named on Thursday, has been removed from the list of replacements.
Ben Donaldson was originally slated to cover the 35-year-old O’Connor, who is making his first Wallabies appearance in three years. However, Donaldson sustained an upper leg injury during training on Thursday, adding to Australia's No. 10 woes.
First-choice flyhalf Tom Lynagh is still recovering from a concussion suffered in the third test against the British & Irish Lions in Sydney, preventing him from travelling for the two matches against the Springboks. The second clash is scheduled for next weekend in Cape Town.
“Dono (Donaldson) went down in last-minute training on Thursday afternoon, which wasn't ideal after the team has been announced internally,” explained captain Harry Wilson at a press conference on Friday.
“We named Crep (Champion de Crespigny) but the coach has had a few meetings overnight and again this morning to work out what would be the best replacement and decided to put in Tane, which he's really excited about. We've got a lot of confidence in him, he's been around the group now for a little while and what he's put in on the training park has been first class,” Wilson added.
Wilson also expressed his excitement about O’Connor's return to the squad. “After three years, I know he's really excited to be out there. He’s 35 years old. He's got plenty of experience. He's got plenty of confidence, and we can't wait to see him go out there and do his job.” O’Connor will partner with Nic White, forming an experienced halfback combination.