QANTAS WALLABIES NAME SQUAD FOR AWAY TESTS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA AND ARGENTINA
Qantas Wallabies 30-man squad to tour South Africa and England for The Rugby Championship
Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
Rory Arnold (Brumbies)
Adam Coleman (Force)
Quade Cooper (Reds)
Kane Douglas (Reds)
Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Nick Frisby (Reds)
Will Genia (Stade Francais)
James Hanson (Rebels)
Dane Haylett-Petty (Force)
Reece Hodge (Rebels)
Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Samu Kerevi (Reds)
Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Tolu Latu* (Waratahs)
Sean McMahon (Rebels)
Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
Luke Morahan (Force)
Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Sefanaia Naivalu* (Rebels)
Nick Phipps (Waratahs)
Tom Robertson (Waratahs)
Rob Simmons (Reds)
Scott Sio (Brumbies)
James Slipper (Reds)
Henry Speight (Brumbies)
Lopeti Timani (Rebels)
*denotes uncapped player
Qantas Wallabies name two potential debutants for South Africa and Argentina Tests
Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika has named a 30-man squad to tour South Africa and England, for Tests against the Springboks and Argentina respectively.
There are two uncapped players in the 30-man group with Rebels flyer Sefa Naivalu eligible for national selection after fulfilling his three-year residency requirement, while Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has forced his way into the squad.
Latu has been in impressive form for the NSW Country Eagles in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship, as they top the ladder after four straight wins to open the competition.
It’s not the first time Latu has been named in a Wallabies squad, after a broken arm ruined his chances in 2014. His inclusion this time comes after fellow hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau wasn’t considered for selection.
The Wallabies might also cap their 900th player should either Latu or Naivalu play in the next fortnight, while it would also mark the 10th debutant of 2016.
Winger Drew Mitchell will fly back to France to continue the Top 14 season with club Toulon as he and backrower Ben McCalman seek match fitness on their return from injury.
Cheika said players were all being managed so they could be at their best for the final two legs of the Rugby Championship.
“It is disappointing for Tatafu, who has been one of the most consistent and valued members of our finishers off the bench, he needs time to get his body right and we respect that,” Cheika said.
“We’re happy with how Drew and Ben are progressing. The best thing for both players is to play some regular rugby to get themselves back to full form and fitness.
“With injury comes opportunity, and this is the opportunity now for Tolu to make his step up to International rugby.
“All our newly capped players this season have taken their chances with both hands and I expect Tolu to do the same, which should give all our fans confidence in the future.”
Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa has overcome his knee injury to be named in the squad, after he missed the 36-20 win over Argentina in Perth.
It’s also a recall for Reds scrumhalf Nick Frisby, who hasn’t featured for the Wallabies since the June Test series against England where he made his International debut.
The Wallabies have won ten out the last fifteen fixtures against the Springboks, although have not won in South Africa since August 2011 where they were victors at Kings Park 14-9.
The Qantas Wallabies will continue their Rugby Championship campaign against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria on Sunday October 2 (1.05am AEST) before taking on Argentina at Twickenham Stadium, London on Sunday October 9 (5.30am AEST).
Both games will be screened LIVE in High Definition and ad-break free on FOX SPORTS 502 and LIVE on Ten for QLD, NSW and ACT viewers (on ONE in other Australian States and Territories). Fans can also LIVE stream the match on Foxtel GO (for Foxtel subscribers) and on TenPlay.
For tickets to see Argentina take on the Wallabies at Twickenham, go to Ticketmaster.
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