Australia trims Rugby Championship squad

Australia coach Michael Cheika has refined his Rugby Championship squad, cutting his training group down to 34 players for the SANZAAR tournament. A number of injuries have forced his hand somewhat while others have received the axe after being named in the original group, most notably Brumbies lock Sam Carter. Michael Hooper is named captain after taking over from retiring Stephen Moore.

Included in the group are seven uncapped players. Hooker Jordan Uelese, lock Izack Rodda, loose forward Adam Korczyk, centers Bill Meakes and Curtis Rona, and wingers Marika Koroibete and Izaia Perese. Prop Tetera Faulkner, flanker Jack Dempsey, and scrumhalf Joe Powell have yet to start a test match.

Ruled out due to injury are prop James Slipper (achilles), hooker Tolu Latu (neck), second row Lukhan Tui (knee), scrumhalf Jake Gordon (ankle), midfielders Kyle Godwin (knee) and Karmichael Hunt (ankle), and outside backs Sefa Naivalu (ankle) and Eto Nabuli (knee).

FORWARDS
Allan Ala’alatoa (Brumbies), Tetera Faulkner (Force), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Tom Robertson (Waratahs), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Stephen Moore (Reds), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Force), Jordan Uelese (Rebels), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Adam Coleman (Force), Kane Douglas (Reds), Izack Rodda (Reds), Rob Simmons (Reds), Jack Dempsey (Waratahs), Ned Hanigan (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (capt., Waratahs), Adam Korczyk (Reds), Sean McMahon (Rebels), Lopeti Timani (Rebels)

BACKS
Will Genia (Stade Français), Nick Phipps (Waratahs), Joe Powell (Brumbies), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Reece Hodge (Rebels), Samu Kerevi (Reds), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Bill Meakes (Force), Curtis Rona (Force), Marika Koroibete (Rebels), Izaia Perese (Reds), Henry Speight (Brumbies), Dane Haylett-Petty (Force), Israel Folau (Waratahs)