The Wallabies’ bid to break their Eden Park curse has taken a hit.

Just two days after being named in Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad, Rugby Australia confirmed on Saturday that powerhouse loose forward Rob Valetini would not travel to Auckland for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks due to calf tightness.

The 27-year-old’s absence paves the way for a surprise recall for Pete Samu, who hasn’t featured in a Test since 2023. The versatile loose forward has been drafted in at a time when the Wallabies are already without injured lock Will Skelton.

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Valetini, who started at No 6 in Australia’s narrow defeat to Argentina in Sydney, has battled calf issues throughout 2024. He played just once in the Lions series and was ruled out of the Wallabies’ historic win over the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Rugby Australia insists this latest setback is different from his earlier injury, and that he remains under assessment ahead of the second Test in Perth on 4 October.

For Samu, the recall marks an unexpected return to the fold after spending two seasons with Bordeaux.

Capped 33 times, he was overlooked for last year’s World Cup but has recommitted to Australian rugby through to the 2027 global showpiece, when he’ll represent the Waratahs.

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The Wallabies, who’ve been winless at Eden Park since 1986, face a massive challenge against an All Blacks side under pressure following their record 43-10 thrashing by the Springboks.

New Zealand, however, have not lost at the Auckland fortress since 1994.

🗞️ Squad update ahead of the group’s departure to New Zealand.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/T3Z9DBvRgE

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 20, 2025

Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images