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 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Valetini, who was starting blindside flanker against Ireland in the Wallabies last test in November, has been replaced by Langi Gleeson, while lock Jeremy Williams will partner Nick Frost in the second row in the team released on Friday.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 H arry Wilson retained as captain and Joseph Suaalii resume his midfield partnership with Len Ikitau.
Noah Lolesio remains a t flyhalf but Tate McDermott will be starting scrumhalf in place of Jake Gordon, who has also been under an injury cloud, according to reports.
