Marika Koroibete Out of Wallabies Squad for Brisbane Clash with South Africa

Having been recalled into an extended Wallabies squad, a star player has not been selected to face South Africa on Saturday.

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.”

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.