Uncapped duo added to Wallabies squad
- 1930
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named two uncapped players in his 30-man squad to tour South Africa and Argentina over the next two weeks.
Melbourne Rebels flanker Angus Cottrell will join the Wallabies fold for the first time with the workhorse impressing during the Super Rugby season and in the opening rounds of the National Rugby Championship for the Melbourne Rising.
Uncapped scrumhalf Jake Gordon will also tour with Joe Powell to remain in Canberra to gain game time in the NRC for the Canberra Vikings while Tolu Latu will get vital match minutes for the NSW Country Eagles.
Meanwhile, backrower Pete Samu will miss the next four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the opening half against Argentina on the Gold Coast.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “There’s an opportunity presented to us now to get some good victories overseas and that’s going to come from consistency in the way that we play.
“We have got some news additions to the squad and these guys have shown plenty of grit and determination to get an opportunity at a higher level so now we’re looking for them to add that to the mix.
“We’re very determined to make sure that we repay the faith and show people what we’re about in the way we play,” Cheika said.
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa (27 Tests, Brumbies, 24)
Rory Arnold (17 Tests , Brumbies, 28)
Adam Coleman (26 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)
Angus Cottrell* (uncapped, Melbourne Rebels, 28)
Folau Fainga’a (3 Tests, Brumbies, 23)
Ned Hanigan (15 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23)
Michael Hooper (c) (85 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26)
Sekope Kepu (97 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 32)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (3 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)
David Pocock (72 Tests, Brumbies, 30)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (86 Tests, Leicester, 33)
Tom Robertson (24 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 24)
Izack Rodda (11 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)
Rob Simmons (89 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Scott Sio (49 Tests, Brumbies, 26)
Caleb Timu (2 Tests, Queensland Reds, 24)
Taniela Tupou (6 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)
Backs
Tom Banks (2 Tests, Brumbies, 24)
Kurtley Beale (78 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Israel Folau (67 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Bernard Foley (62 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 28)
Will Genia (94 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30)
Jake Gordon* (uncapped, NSW Waratahs, 25)
Dane Haylett-Petty (25 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29)
Reece Hodge (31 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 23)
Marika Koroibete (15 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)
Jack Maddocks (4 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 21)
Sefa Naivalu (7 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)
Nick Phipps (67 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Matt Toomua (37 Tests, Leicester/Melbourne Rebels, 28)