Michael Cheika trims squad ahead of 2019 Test opener

Wed, Jul 17, 2019, 11:32 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Christian Lealiifano in action at Wallabies training. Photo: Rugby AU Media
Christian Lealiifano in action at Wallabies training. Photo: Rugby AU Media

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has trimmed his squad ahead of their Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Six players will return to Australia with Jack Maddocks and Rob Valetini released for club duties this weekend.

Scott Sio (adductor) and Christian Lealiifano (shoulder) will miss the Test against South Africa and will now complete their injury rehabilitation in their home cities before re-joining the squad in Brisbane next week.

Tom Robertson suffered an ankle injury at training on Tuesday and will return to Sydney for scans but it is expected that he will miss next weekend’s clash with Argentina at Suncorp Stadium.

Marika Koroibete will also fly home to Melbourne to be with his family after the birth of his second child and will meet the official squad in Brisbane.

NSW Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes will now join the squad in Johannesburg.

Michael Cheika will name his side on Thursday in Johannesburg ahead of their 2019 campaign kicking-off on Sunday morning (1.05am AEST) against South Africa.

The side will then travel to Brisbane for their first home Test of 2019 when they face Argentina at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday July 27. Tickets are available here.

FOX SPORTS will showcase every game of the Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship LIVE with no ad-breaks during play and in HD.

All Qantas Wallabies matches will also be screened LIVE and free in HD on TEN and WIN Network and streaming on tenplay.com.au.

All Tests will also be LIVE on RUGBY.com.au Radio and available to stream via the RugbyXplorer App.

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