Carter Gordon Poised to Return for Wallabies After Injury Setbacks

The single sharpest fact is that Wallabies halves Carter Gordon and Ryan Lonergan are poised to overcome injury issues in time to play against France on Saturday, and continue what looked a promising combination ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Gordon, a star five-eighth who has endured a horror 18 months on the injury front, was in strong touch early in Australia’s 33-31 Nations Championship defeat to Ireland – the five-eighth playing a pivotal role in their first three tries before leaving the field in the 57th minute.

He was joined on the sidelines by Lonergan, who copped a knock to his throat after 33 minutes, having scored to give his country a 12-point lead. If what he showed against Ireland was any indication, Campbell would be strong odds to retain his place at the back ahead of Tom Wright, who in addition to scoring laid on the final pass for Dylan Pietsch’s try and ran for 67 metres – trailing on Max Jorgensen among his teammates.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt suggested Gordon’s removal was due to cramping, but scans shortly after the game confirmed Lonergan was not expected to be ruled out. “I think we get a medical update tonight [Monday]. I think Ryan’s good, I’m not sure about Carter – I think he had scans today, and we get an update later tonight around another couple of players as well who have come through with a couple of bangs,” Wallabies assistant coach Tom Donnelly said.

Renewed strength in their lineout has presented hope they will contend with France. They won 92 per cent of their 12 lineouts, while winning four against the throw, as the combination of Reds hooker Josh Nasser and his club teammate Josh Canham reaped rewards.

However, Donnelly warned against complacency ahead of playing a formidable French outfit who lost by two-points to New Zealand last Saturday in Christchurch. “I think it was a really good start for us, but it’s only one Test match – one sunny day doesn’t make a summer. We just go back, start again this week, and make sure we build our week around our fundamentals align up really well, which should hopefully set us up to perform well,” he said.

“They [France] have got some great big men, but they’ve also got some extremely good jumpers – and fast jumpers – and their hookers are very accurate, so we’re well aware of the threat that’s coming this week around the lineout.”

Reds fullback Jock Campbell, who ended a four-year Wallabies exile with a try, added of Gordon: “I train with him a lot, so I know the ability he had. I’ve known him since he was 18 when he came into the Reds.

“He’s developed a lot as a player, and he’s very skillful, so it’s good him getting out there and showing what he can do.”

If the Wallabies can continue this promising combination, it would be a major boost for their World Cup chances.

A sharp Wallabies outfit would be well-equipped to take on France in Brisbane on Saturday, but they must not get complacent after their good start. They have shown the potential to dominate at the lineout, and with Gordon and Lonergan back on the pitch, they could be a force to be reckoned with.

The match against France will be a significant test for the Wallabies, and they will need to bring their A-game to come out on top. But with renewed strength in their lineout and two of their key players back in the mix, they have a good chance of success.

If the Wallabies can win against France, it would be a major boost to their World Cup chances and set them up for a strong campaign. With their promising combination and renewed strength in their lineout, they are well-positioned to take on the best teams in the tournament.

The Wallabies are set to face France in Brisbane on Saturday, and it will be a significant test for the team. With their renewed strength in their lineout and two of their key players back on the pitch, they have a good chance of success.

Wallabies assistant coach Tom Donnelly warned against complacency ahead of the match. “I think it was a really good start for us, but it’s only one Test match – one sunny day doesn’t make a summer. We just go back, start again this week, and make sure we build our week around our fundamentals align up really well, which should hopefully set us up to perform well,” he said.

Donnelly also praised the combination of Reds hooker Josh Nasser and his club teammate Josh Canham, who reaped rewards in the Wallabies’ lineout. “They’ve got some great big men, but they’ve also got some extremely good jumpers – and fast jumpers – and their hookers are very accurate, so we’re well aware of the threat that’s coming this week around the lineout.”

The match against France will be a significant test for the Wallabies, and they will need to bring their A-game to come out on top. But with renewed strength in their lineout and two of their key players back in the mix, they have a good chance of success.

Wallabies’ Lineout Strength

The Wallabies have shown renewed strength in their lineout, winning 92 per cent of their 12 lineouts against Ireland. They also won four lineouts against the throw, a combination of Reds hooker Josh Nasser and his club teammate Josh Canham.

Their lineout strength has been a major factor in their improved performance, and they will look to continue this trend against France.

French Lineout Threat

France has a formidable lineout, with extremely good jumpers and fast jumpers. Their hookers are also very accurate, which makes them a threat to the Wallabies.

The Wallabies are aware of this threat and will need to work hard to counter it. But with their renewed strength in their lineout and two of their key players back on the pitch, they have a good chance of success.