Waratahs rising star Ben Donaldson will join the Wallabies on Sunday evening ahead of Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in Adelaide.
It comes as Dave Rennie settled on his coaching structure, with highly respected Brumbies assistant Laurie Fisher joining the Wallabies as their new defense coach.
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Fisher’s appointment has been met with great excitement, with ‘Lord’ Laurie one of the doyens of Australian rugby.
A master in the contact zone and at the ruck, Fisher’s remit has expanded to defense in recent years.
Fisher is a no frills mentor who calls a spade a spade, but the former Munster and Gloucester coach also doesn’t harbor the head coaching role. It’s an aspect that can’t be understated because Fisher has been around the block and knows his strengths.
Should the Wallabies’ defense and work in the contact zone improve over the next month, where Rennie’s side face a litmus test against the Springboks and the All Blacks, he could continue in the role until next year’s World Cup.
If that occurred, it would be just reward for a man who has dedicated his life to rugby and is highly regarded in all circles.
“I’m excited to join the coaching group at the Wallabies and would like to thank Dave for the opportunity,” Fisher said.
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“I’m looking forward to getting on the grass this week and contributing to the success of the group moving forward.”
His appointment comes after Matt Taylor was let go on Friday for “personal reasons”.
His departure, however, came after the Wallabies conceded a record 48 points against Argentina in their second Rugby Championship fixture.
RA, who are increasingly bullish and fed up after years of inconsistency and mediocrity, were also not happy with their results and Taylor, in particular, had come under increasing pressure recently.
Rennie thanked the Brumbies for helping facilitate Fisher’s move.
“We’re grateful Laurie has been able to join us at such short notice and would also like to thank the Brumbies for their support too,” Rennie said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will only benefit our playing group ahead of what are going to be extremely tough Test matches in the Rugby Championship.”
Meanwhile, it can be revealed Donaldson will join the Wallabies.
Rennie confirmed on Thursday afternoon that one rising fly-half would join the Wallabies as the national team looks to “accelerate the development” of the next generation of playmakers.
The 23-year-old was in fine form earlier in the year, but an injury slowed his progress and allowed Tane Edmed, who was strong for Eastwood in their semi-final win over Manly on Saturday, to take hold of the No.10 jersey.
On Sunday, the former Junior Wallabies playmaker scored an early try against Gordon at Coogee Oval.
He ran to the line and with some lovely deception scored, but it was enough as Gordon came from behind and took the lead in the final minutes to score a thrilling one-point win.
Donaldson isn’t in line to take on the Springboks, but the talented has the chance to showcase his skills in front of the Wallabies’ selectors.
It comes as Berrick Barnes, the two-time World Cup playmaker who was thrust into the No.10 jersey in 2007 after Stephen Larkham’s injury, said the next generation of playmakers could not be ruled out of contention for next year’s tournament in France.
“I think you’ve just got to give these guys a chance in camp and you don’t know how either one of them, and I’m talking about the Tahs kids, and in particular Noah, are going to react and play, Barnes said.
Donaldson said he was eager to put his best foot forward.
“Obviously very disappointed with the loss, one point, it always hurts,” he said
“Nice little try to start the game for myself, which is always a good way to start the game.
“There’s a bit of an opportunity. I’m pretty excited to go up and get around the boys and get some experience. It’s just training, getting in that environment and seeing where it goes from there.
“I definitely prefer 10. I like to get my hands on the ball and I feel like I can influence the game a bit more.”
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