Wallabies Valetini, Skelton omitted from Fiji test

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FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Australia v Uruguay - IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A - Villa Park, Birmingham, England - 27/9/15 Australias Will Skelton in action Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic/File photo

REUTERS

MELBOURNE - Australia loose forward Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton were omitted from the match-day squad for Sundays one-off Fiji test in a blow to the Wallabies preparations for the British amp; Irish Lions series.

The pair have been struggling with injuries, local media have reported, leaving coach Joe Schmidt short of experience and power for the match in Newcastle, the Wallabies only warmup for the Lions series starting in Brisbane on July 19.

Valetini, who was starting blindside flanker against Ireland in the Wallabies last test in November, has been replaced by Langi Gleeson, while lock Jeremy Williams will partner Nick Frost in the second row in the team released on Friday.

The Wallabies season-opening test sees number eight Harry Wilson retained as captain and Joseph Suaalii resume his midfield partnership with Len Ikitau.

Noah Lolesio remains at flyhalf but Tate McDermott will be starting scrumhalf in place of Jake Gordon, who has also been under an injury cloud, according to reports.

Rugby Australia made no mention of any injuries to players in its team release, with Schmidt set to appear at a press conference later on Friday.

With hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa released from the squad, Dave Porecki starts in the number two jersey in