Eddie Jones has an ace up the sleeve that he could unleash when the Wallabies take on the Springboks in the Rugby Championship in Pretoria.
Jones revealed that uncapped flanker Josh Kemeny could be utilised on the wing for the Wallabies as preparations continue for the World Cup.
Kenemy, who plays for the Melbourne Rebels, was one of three players listed as utility options when Jones named a 34-player squad for the Rugby Championship and World Cup.
Jones has previously toyed with the idea of shifting players between the backline and the pack when he was England’s coach, preparing winger Jack Nowell to at flank and loose forward Ben Earl out wide.
“We want Kemeny to play seven, six and on the wing,” Jones was quoted by the Telegraph. “He’s quick enough to play on the wing, that’s why he’s listed down as a utility player. He’s a tall, rangy guy, good in the air.
“We need to develop a team that is multi-dimensional because of the fact with HIA, yellow or red cards, you need to be able to adapt on the field. Nothing’s not possible and we need to develop that adaptability in the team.
“It’s very important [to have adaptability] and that’s why we’ve named them as utility players. We need a back-rower that can play wing and I’m serious about this. Hoops [Wallabies captain Michael Hooper] could probably do it in his younger age, he was faster than most wingers.”
The Wallabies open their Rugby Championship campaign against the Springboks in Pretoria on 8 July.
Photo: EPA/DAVE HUNT