Marika Koroibete – the two-time John Eales Medallist – could have played his last Test in the Wallabies jersey after being dropped for Saturday’s return Bledisloe fixture in Wellington.
The Roar can reveal the 32-year-old Japan-based winger has paid the price for his shocker under the Sydney sun at the Olympic Stadium, with Dylan Pietsch in line to start for the first time.
The two-time World Cup member cost the Wallabies crucial possession and territory early in both halves after shelling simple passes.
His exclusion is set to be the headline omission from Joe Schmidt’s team announcement on Thursday.
The Roar also understands Tom Lynagh, the rising playmaker who didn’t get on the field last Saturday, will be replaced by Ben Donaldson on the bench.
It’s another blow for Lynagh, 21, who has been plagued by mystery hamstring issues since debuting against Wales in July.
Who comes onto the bench as the replacement back remains to be seen, with Reds utility back Josh Flook and uncapped Brumbies flyer Corey Toole in a battle to wear the No.23 jersey.
Marika Koroibete is set to miss selection for the Wallabies’ Bledisloe rematch against the All Blacks after struggling at Accor Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Sydney. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Despite the All Blacks’ poor recent record in Wellington, including their shock 38-30 defeat to Argentina in the city last month, their six-Test winless streak is nothing on the Wallabies’ 23-year baron run across the ditch.
As such, the bookies have listed the Wallabies as $14 outsiders despite their second half surge in Sydney where they fell just short, losing 31-28.
The decision to turn away from Koroibete, who considered retiring following last year’s World Cup, comes at an interesting time in the Australian rugby landscape.
Not only does it show Schmidt’s ruthlessness at the selection table but given the New Zealander’s desire to pick largely from Australian shores, it’s not out of the equation Koroibete doesn’t get another chance, especially with a four Test Spring Tour on the horizon.
Although Kubota playmaker Bernard Foley was chosen for the 2022 tour, the Wallabies’ Japan-based players have tended to miss the end of year Tests to prepare for their domestic seasons.
The inability to have players available all the time is partly why Schmidt is keen to pick from within.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has made it clear his preference is to pick from within Australian circles. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Although Pietsch produced an eye-catching cameo last week, some thought there was enough money in the bank for Koroibete for Schmidt to pick the Fijian-born winger once more.
The scoreboard often speaks loudest though and the Force-bound winger will get his chance.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pietsch said he was hoping to press for a start but was conscious of Koroibete’s past glories.
“I’d always love to start,” Pietsch said, before calling Koroibete “world class”.
“We’ve got to respect what he’s done in the past and what he does every week … I’m more than happy to start but I understand that Marika is there and is one of the best.”
