The Wallabies’ hopes of snapping a 39-year drought at Eden Park have suffered a blow, with star back-rower Rob Valetini ruled out of next week’s opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks. Just two days after being named in Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad, Rugby Australia confirmed on Saturday evening the 27-year-old would not travel to Auckland on Sunday due to “calf tightness”. Valetini’s replacement is Pete Samu, who has not played a Test since 2023. It is a timely recall for the versatile back-rower, with Australia already missing powerhouse forward Will Skelton. Valetini started at No.6 in Australia’s most recent outing – a 28-26 defeat to Argentina in Sydney – but has battled calf problems throughout the year.