Wallabies breakout star Jeremy Williams has thrown his hand up to shift to the back row as Joe Schmidt weighs up his options for the Wales Test.
It comes as captain Harry Wilson is set to miss Monday’s (AEDT) match after suffering a concussion in the final minutes of the win over England.
Williams has been used largely as a lock under Schmidt although started the final game of the Super Rugby season at blindside flanker.
“I think if the opportunity came and I was picked to play anywhere in the field, I’d always put my hand up because it’s such an honour to be able to represent your country,” Williams told the media.
“Whichever way the coaching staff goes, we’ve got an awesome bunch of back rowers in the group. I think anyone will be willing to put their hand up and we’ll do the job for the team.”
This would see Rob Valetini move back to number eight, with the reigning John Eales Medalist one of the Wallabies’ best in the win over the English.
“He’s awesome. His prep during the week and what he does out on the field, he’s a freak,” Williams notes.
“It’s pretty cool to see him coming off the line out and making those strong carries. It just picks all the boys up and gives us energy going into and throughout the game.”
It also leaves Schmidt looking for a new captain, potentially his fifth of the year.
Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper have led the side in 2024, although have come off the bench in recent matches, whilst inaugural captain Liam Wright remains on the mend after complications with a shoulder injury.
Flanker Fraser McReight and scrum half Jake Gordon are amongst several options if Schmidt wants to keep a settled starting side whilst World Cup captain Will Skelton looms as an obvious second-row replacement if Williams moves to the back row.
The Wallabies are refusing to let their guard down as they prepare for a Wales side coming off their tenth straight defeat after going down to Wales.
“Any Test match is always a tough test, especially against Wales. They’re at home this time and we’ve got to bring our A-game to match them,” Williams added.
“They’ve got a great forward pack and especially at maul time, they’re quite a force at maul time. We know that we’ve got to front up and it’s going to be a big battle this weekend.”
