Cheika cuts Wallaby squad to 31 for Springboks Test in Brisbane
The Qantas Wallabies have named a strong 31-man squad for the opening round of The Rugby Championship against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on July 18.
Following a gruelling five-day camp at Sunshine Coast Stadium, the squad will assemble in Brisbane this Sunday 12 July.
The 31-man squad, captained by hooker Stephen Moore boasts two non-capped players, with Rory Arnold and Taqele Naiyaravoro both closing in on their first Wallabies appearance.
Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika said: “There were obviously some really tough calls to make. The players who have not been named in this 31-man squad will still remain part of the group and will continue to contribute. We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season.
“I have had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment. It’s given me great confidence knowing we’re establishing some depth in key positions.
“There’s a certain thing about Queensland and how they support their teams, and in particular the Qantas Wallabies. Every time you go to Suncorp Stadium there’s always an energy and plenty of gold around the ground, and I know that will be no different for the Springboks game.”
Players not travelling with the squad to Brisbane will remain part of the Qantas Wallabies wider training squad, and will continue training with their respective Asteron Life Super Rugby teams.
Selected players will join the squad in Sydney in the lead-up to the Wallabies’ first Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on August 8.
The Qantas Wallabies will attend a fan day and signing session in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall on Sunday 12 July from 12pm, for more information head to www.rugby.com.au/wallabies
31-man Qantas Wallabies Squad
Rory Arnold (Brumbies)*
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
Quade Cooper (Reds)
Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Will Genia (Reds)
Matt Giteau (Toulon)
Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
Greg Holmes (Reds)
Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Rob Horne (Waratahs)
James Horwill (Reds)
Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Stephen Moore – Captain (Brumbies)
Drew Mitchell (Toulon)
Ben McCalman (Force)
Sean McMahon (Rebels)
Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs)*
Nick Phipps (Waratahs)
David Pocock (Brumbies)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
Scott Sio (Brumbies)
Rob Simmons (Reds)
Will Skelton (Waratahs)
James Slipper (Reds)
Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
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