Wallabies new scrum coach
THE Wallabies’ preparations for the Bledisloe opener have taken an unusual twist, with news that recently appointed scrum coach Petrus du Plessis has yet to join Dave Rennie’s men in New Zealand.
But then again, nothing is unusual during these unprecedented COVID-19 times where zoom calls are the new norm.
That is where du Plessis has been running his eye over the Wallabies’ pack, with the former Glasgow Warriors, London Irish and Saracens prop forced to get his messages across the zoom service after being unable to join his new side because a shortage of flights arriving in Australia from the UK.
Du Plessis was appointed as the Wallabies’ scrum coach last month, having earned a reputation as a formidable scrummager — and physiotherapist — in the English Premiership.
It’s understood that the South African will arrive in Australia before The Rugby Championship, but until then the highly respected former prop, who was a player coach under Rennie recently at Glasgow, will be forced to coach the Wallabies’ scrum from the sidelines. It’s hardly ideal preparation for the Wallabies less than two weeks out from their first Test of the year against the All Blacks on October 11.
Until he arrives, newly appointed forwards coach Geoff Parling has been running his eye over the scrum.
Thankfully for the former English lock he has the benefit of having a hoist of experienced props at his disposal in loose-head props James Slipper (96 Tests) and Scott Sio (63 Tests), while Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou are two of the best young tighthead props in the world.
“I don’t think he’s (du Plessis) with us at the moment,” Wallabies backrower Pete Samu revealed on Tuesday.