Surprises in Wallabies squad for South Africa

The first Wallabies squad of the year has been named by the selection panel of Michael Cheika, Scott Johnson, and Michael O’Connor, and there are some surprises. 34 players are in the group that will prepare for the first match of the Rugby Championship against South Africa on July 20.

Among the notable inclusions are three uncapped players, all loose forwards. Big-hitting Brumbies blindside flanker Rob Valetini, Reds openside Liam Wright, and Rebels runner Isi Naisarani get the call. The latter, Fijian-born who now qualifies on residency, is the only specialist No8 in the group.

Lock or flanker Luke Jones is back in contention after returning from two-plus seasons in France, with Nic White recalled at scrumhalf despite playing his rugby for the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. Matt To’omua spent most of his season with Leicester, while departing Sale Sharks utility back James O’Connor is training with the group but will not be considered for test selection until he completes contract negotiations with the Reds.

Christian Leali’ifano makes a celebrated return after a three-year absence while recovering from Leukaemia. In a different vein, disgraced Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu is named ahead of several other hooker options, a decision likely to garner significant criticism.

Injury has ruled out forwards Adam Coleman, David Pocock, and Peter Samu, but there are other big names out of favor. Ned Hanigan has failed to make the cut, and there is no sign of Nick Phipps or Quade Cooper. Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty, and Tom Banks are in the running to fill the No15 vacancy left by Israel Folau’s axing.

Australia will play Argentina in the second round of the truncated Rugby Championship, followed by two matches against New Zealand. The second will not count towards the competition but will serve as the Bledisloe Cup decider.

FORWARDS
Tom Robertson (Waratahs), Scott Sio (Brumbies), James Slipper (Brumbies), Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies), Tolu Latu (Waratahs), Jordan Uelese (Rebels), Allan Ala’alatoa (Brumbies), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Taniela Tupou (Reds), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Izack Rodda (Reds), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds), Rob Simmons (Waratahs), Jack Dempsey (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (capt., Waratahs), Luke Jones (Rebels), Isi Naisarani (Rebels), Liam Wright (Reds)

BACKS
Will Genia (Rebels), Joe Powell (Brumbies), Nic White (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies), Matt To’omua (Rebels), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Reece Hodge (Rebels), Samu Kerevi (Reds), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Marika Koroibete (Rebels), Jack Maddocks (Rebels), Tom Banks (Brumbies), Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels)

FIXTURES
July 20 – vs South Africa
July 27 – vs Argentina
August 10 – vs New Zealand
August 17 – vs New Zealand