Lukhan Tui has withdrawn from the Wallabies’ squad for their two-Test tour of South Africa and Argentina.
Camera IconLukhan Tui has withdrawn from the Wallabies’ squad for their two-Test tour of South Africa and Argentina. Credit: AAP

Lukhan Tui withdraws from Wallabies as Michael Cheika names 30-man squad for final two Tests of Rugby Championship

Christy DoranFOX SPORTS

IN an unfortunate blow for the Wallabies’ hopes of getting back on the winners list, Michael Cheika will be without key forward Lukhan Tui for the final two matches of their Rugby Championship campaign.

The 22-year-old, who has been one of the Wallabies’ best this season, has withdrawn from their two-Test tour of South Africa and Argentina.

Tui was involved in an ugly grapple with a Wallabies supporter following Australia’s shock loss to Argentina last Saturday night on the Gold Coast.

Cheika later told reporters that Tui had informed his teammates that he needed to take time away from rugby and would cut his 2018 season short following the incident.

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The incident came just days after his step father passed away suddenly and the Wallabies wore black armbands to pay their respects to Tui and his family during the 23-19 loss.

Tui’s absence is compounded by the loss of back-row teammate Pete Samu, who will miss the next four weeks after suffering a knee injury during the defeat against Argentina.

As a result, Melbourne Rebels flanker Angus Cottrell has been called into the 30-man squad and is in line to make his Test debut against the Springboks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 30 September AEST.

Joining Cottrell is fellow uncapped halfback Jake Gordon, after the Waratahs scrumhalf was selected ahead of Brumbies No 9 Joe Powell.

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In better news for the Wallabies, captain Michael Hooper will tour and is expected to be fit for their vitally significant clash against the Springboks.

The Wallabies have won just two of seven Tests in 2018 and have slumped to seventh on the World Rugby standings — a historic low.

Cheika said the two-Test tour was an opportunity to show their character to the Australian public.

“There’s an opportunity presented to us now to get some good victories overseas and that’s going to come from consistency in the way that we play,” Cheika said.

“We have got some news additions to the squad and these guys have shown plenty of grit and determination to get an opportunity at a higher level so now we’re looking for them to add that to the mix.

“We’re very determined to make sure that we repay the faith and show people what we’re about in the way we play.”

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The Wallabies will leave Sydney for South Africa on Saturday morning.

Wallabies 30-man squad to play Springboks and Pumas

Forwards:

Allan Alaalatoa (27 Tests, Brumbies, 24)

Rory Arnold (17 Tests , Brumbies, 28)

Adam Coleman (26 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)

Angus Cottrell* (uncapped, Melbourne Rebels, 28)

Folau Fainga’a (3 Tests, Brumbies, 23)

Ned Hanigan (15 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23)

Michael Hooper (c) (85 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26)

Sekope Kepu (97 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 32)

Brandon Paenga-Amosa (3 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)

David Pocock (72 Tests, Brumbies, 30)

Tatafu Polota-Nau (86 Tests, Leicester, 33)

Tom Robertson (24 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 24)

Izack Rodda (11 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)

Rob Simmons (89 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)

Scott Sio (49 Tests, Brumbies, 26)

Caleb Timu (2 Tests, Queensland Reds, 24)

Taniela Tupou (6 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)

Backs:

Tom Banks (2 Tests, Brumbies, 24)

Kurtley Beale (78 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)

Israel Folau (67 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)

Bernard Foley (62 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 28)

Will Genia (94 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30)

Jake Gordon* (uncapped, NSW Waratahs, 25)

Dane Haylett-Petty (25 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29)

Reece Hodge (31 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 23)

Marika Koroibete (15 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)

Jack Maddocks (4 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 21)

Sefa Naivalu (7 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)

Nick Phipps (67 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)

Matt Toomua (37 Tests, Leicester/Melbourne Rebels, 28)