Star winger Marika Koroibete's shock Wallabies snub

Marco Monteverde Published August 8, 2024 at 2.30pm (AWST)

Indigenous rugby union players

Having been recalled into an extended Wallabies squad, Marika Koroibete has not been selected to face South Africa on Saturday. (Image: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Marika Koroibete is a surprise absentee from the Wallabies team for Saturday's Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

The 32-year-old former Melbourne Rebels star, who has played his club rugby for Japanese team Saitama Wild Knights since 2021, was added to an extended Wallabies squad after not being in new coach Joe Schmidt's plans for last month's games against Wales and Georgia.

It was expected the 59-Test veteran would have been chosen for what's shaping as a tough battle for the Australians against the reigning world champions.

However, Schmidt has opted for Filipo Daugunu and Andrew Kellaway as his wingers, with Koroibete not even being named on the bench, where the versatility of Dylan Pietsch has been preferred.

"There's a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad, and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there's still plenty to work on," Schmidt said.

"We're conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there's a keenness in the player group to take a step forward."

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to Australia's starting team. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) — Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to Australia's starting team. (Image: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Schmidt has made six changes to the team that started in Australia's 40-29 win over Georgia on July 20 in Sydney.

Flanker Carlo Tizzano will debut for the Wallabies, replacing the injured Fraser McReight.

Elsewhere in the forwards, hooker Matt Faessler comes in for Billy Pollard, and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto takes the spot of Angus Blyth.

Halves Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio have been recalled at the expense of Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson, while Kellaway comes in for winger Darby Lancaster.

McDermott has been named on a bench that includes a potential debutant, ACT Brumbies flanker Luke Reimer.

Wallabies: Isaac Kailea, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright. Bench: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.

Marco Monteverde - NCA NewsWire