Schmidt opens door to overseas Wallabies for Lions tour

Australia might relax their preference for fielding Australian-based players to give themselves the best shot of beating the British and Irish Lions in this summer’s series.

The Wallabies have generally opted for players either at domestic teams, or with a commitment to return to play in the country.

The policy was previously formalised as ‘Giteau’s Law’ – a limit on the number of players an Australian head coach could pick from overseas, which varied on the number of caps individuals had won – but it has been loosened in recent years.

Back row Langi Gleeson, who played in all four of Australia’s November internationals, had his invitation to a training camp rescinded in January after it was reported he had agreed a move to French side Montpellier.

“We don’t want to discount anyone because, as [Lions head coach] Andy [Farrell’s] done and the coaches, they’ve picked a form squad,” said Schmidt.

“I stay in touch with those guys who are overseas.

“We would love to pick a form squad.

“But, as I’ve always said, if there’s anything that we think is 50-50, it’s more difficult to absorb someone from the outside the groups that play together already.”

Former Saracens second row Will Skelton, now with La Rochelle, Bordeaux’s in-form back row Peter Samu and Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi are among those who could benefit.

Schmidt suffered two injury scares over the weekend with Noah Lolesio, his first-choice 10, and big-money league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii both carried out of Super Rugby matches on stretchers.

While Suaalii has suffered a concussion that will keep him out of action for about two weeks as he goes through return-to-play protocols, Lolesio’s availability for the Lions series is less clear.

“We are pleased to report that scans have cleared him of any serious injury,” Lolesio’s Brumbies team said about the 25-year-old’s back injury.

Schmidt also admitted he had been impressed by Henry Pollock’s rise, with the 20-year-old back row going from age-grade international rugby and a fringe squad member at Northampton to being named in the Lions’ 38-strong squad last Thursday in only a matter of months.

“He is a very, very promising player,” said Schmidt.

Friday, 20 June – Lions v Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)

Saturday, 28 June – Lions v Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)

Wednesday, 2 July – Lions v Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

Saturday, 5 July – Lions v NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)

Wednesday, 9 July – Lions v ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)

Saturday, 12 July – Lions v Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

Saturday, 19 July – Lions v Australia, first Test, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

Tuesday, 22 July – Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)

Saturday, 26 July – Lions v Australia, second Test, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)

Saturday, 2 August – Lions v Australia, third Test, Sydney (Accor Stadium)