Leota wildcard in Wallabies’ pack

ROB Leota has emerged as a shock second-row candidate for the deciding third Test in Sydney as the Wallabies deal with a crippling injury crisis.

Leota has started at blindside flanker in the first two games against England, but Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will consider using him at lock after Cadeyrn Neville suffered a knee injury in Brisbane, while Darcy Swain is suspended and Jed Holloway is also injured.

Holloway, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, will be closely monitored this week and could be a contender if he passes fitness tests.

Nick Frost, who made his Test debut at Suncorp Stadium in England’s 25-17 win, is set to start alongside Matt Philip, while Rennie will look at bringing new locks into the squad in preparation for the deciding Ella-Mobbs Trophy game.

Leota has played lock for Melbourne Rebels, but against a tall English pack it would be quite the challenge in a deciding Test match.

England have also lost a key lineout figure, with Maro Itoje ruled out of Saturday’s game due to concussion.

Also ruled out of the match are Izaia Perese (knee) and Jordan Petaia (concussion), which is likely to see former NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu called up for his Wallabies debut at the SCG.

Prop James Slipper has confidence the players can get the job done next Saturday.

“It’s obviously a test, but I’ve been pretty proud of every bloke that’s come into the jersey,” Slipper said.

“Nick (Frost) did a wonderful job off the bench and one thing I do know is that there is a lot of depth in our squad.

“They’re there on merit and they’re really challenging for all those spots. Certain positions are challenging at the moment, obviously second row is one of them.

“We’ve lost a few outside backs but we’re pretty blessed in the outside back area, the second row could be interesting.

“I won’t say I’m stressed about it at all, it’s next man up, let’s roll, big game.”