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Michael Cheika has unveiled his final squad of 31 players to represent Australia the Rugby World Cup. Included are 12 players who return from RWC 2015 including star back rower David Pocock who has recovered from a calf injury to take his spot on the plane to Japan.
There are few if any surprises, with veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau the most notable absentee. Rebels lock or flanker Luke Jones misses out, as does Brumbies fullback Tom Banks. With only two scrumhalves included there is no room for Joe Powell while the inclusion of uncapped Jordan Petaia comes at the expense of Jack Maddocks.
Polota-Nau’s absence means there are only two players who have been selected from European club rugby – Exeter Chiefs scrumhalf Nic White and Sale Sharks utility back James O’Connor. The latter will join the Reds following the World Cup and White will return to Super Rugby in 2021. A similar agreement could have seen Saracens lock Will Skelton return to contention but the Australian selection policy will instead see the giant ball carrier miss out.
The Wallabies will compete in Pool D at the World Cup, along with Wales, Georgia, Fiji, and Uruguay. They will take on Los Teros at Oita Stadium on October 5.
A detailed squad list can be seen here.
FORWARDS
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), Adam Coleman (Rebels), Izack Rodda (Reds), Rob Simmons (Waratahs), Jack Dempsey (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (capt., Waratahs), Isi Naisarani (Rebels), David Pocock (Brumbies), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds)
BACKS
Will Genia (Rebels), Nic White (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies), Matt To’omua (Rebels), Samu Kerevi (Reds), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), James O’Connor (Sale Sharks, UK), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Reece Hodge (Rebels), Marika Koroibete (Rebels), Jordan Petaia (Reds), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels)
