Bledisloe Cup Rugby: The Wallabies’ blunt warning to All Blacks rookie Caleb Clarke

The Wallabies have sent a clear warning to All Blacks rookie sensation Caleb Clarke: We’re coming for you.

Clarke was virtually unstoppable in his debut debut against the Wallabies in the second round of the Bledisloe Cup, where he used his pace and power to fight his way through the Australian defense multiple times.

The 21-year-old’s 70-meter run just after halftime that led to an attempt by Ardie Savea even sparked comparisons to All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu.

It’s no wonder it was on the Wallabies’ minds this week as they prepare for a life and death clash in Sydney on Saturday.

For the Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu, who is in charge of defending Clarke, is a challenge he’s waiting for. He says he “can’t wait” to get his hands on the young All Black.

“Our goal for this week was to stop him,” Daugunu said. “We are looking forward to playing him again on Saturday.”

“Our goal is to kick him and compete, to catch him so we can crush him. Our goal for this week was him. I can’t wait to hit him.”

When asked if there was a “target on his head”, Daugunu didn’t mince words: “Yes.”

Wallabies Lock Matt Philip echoed his teammate’s blunt defiance, saying the entire team will try to “finish” Clarke.

“He’s obviously a threat with the ball,” Philip said. “He did some damage in Auckland. I think it’s team work to stop that. We have defended as a team. It’s not just the great Philip here trying to finish him off. I think it will be the whole team.”

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will be pinning their hopes on their own rookie this weekend with 20-year-old playmaker Noah Lolesio set to make his No. 10 debut in place of James O’Connor, who was ruled out with an injury at knee.

Lolesio is no stranger to the big arena and led the Brumbies to AU Super Rugby glory this year with a great goal in the final. But Saturday’s test will be by far the biggest challenge of his career, something that head coach Dave Rennie is confident he can handle.

“He’s a young man, but as we’ve seen with the Brumbies, he handled the responsibility of playing at that level very well,” Rennie said. “He fit in very well here. He was obviously on the bench. [in the last test] and he didn’t get along, so it’s obviously very exciting for him and his family to win their first international match on Saturday.

“His job is to go out there and implement our plan. He’s been training with us for five weeks. He’s very clear, he’s very studious. I know he shared a bit with James (O’Connor) and he’s been questioning him a lot about things.

“Look, he’s a smart kid, so he’s going to enter the game very well prepared and we just want him to go out and play and be instinctive because he’s done all his homework.”

It was one of five changes to Rennie’s starting side, including four rookies at Lolesio, Irae Simone, Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott.

“We certainly have an eye for the future, but it is also about winning on Saturday. We have worked very hard and we are going to improve a lot over time. But now you also have to get results and we are very aware of the quality of the opposition.

“But it’s exciting for us. We have some young people who have been tested and are learning a lot. There is no reason why if we go out and play our best on the weekend, we can’t win.”

Wallabies Team: James Slipper, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Harry Wilson, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Marika Koroibete, Irae Simone, Jordan Petaia, Filipo Daugunu, Dane Haylett-Petty.

Bookings: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Reece Hodge, Hunter Paisami.

All Blacks Team: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe.

Bookings: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papalii, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Rieko John.