Cheika names Wallabies squad to face England in Brisbane

Coach Michael Cheika on Friday named seven potential debutants in an extended 33-man Wallabies squad for next week's series opener against England in Brisbane.

Coach Michael Cheika on Friday named seven potential debutants in an extended 33-man Wallabies squad for next week's series opener against England in Brisbane.

Published Jun 3, 2016

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Coach Michael Cheika on Friday named seven potential debutants in an extended 33-man Wallabies squad for next week's series opener against England in Brisbane.

The uncapped players are prop Alan Alaalatoa, lock Rory Arnold, scrum-half Nick Frisby, fullback Dane Haylett-Petty, winger Reece Hodge, utility back Karmichael Hunt and centre Samu Kerevi.

Hooker James Hanson, lock Adam Coleman, flanker Liam Gill, scrum-half Joe Powell and former Bath forward Leroy Houston were omitted from the original training squad, while back Mike Harris injured his hamstring last weekend playing in Super Rugby.

The squad features 22 members of the Wallabies' 2015 Rugby World Cup contingent while former Wallabies captain James Horwill (Harlequins) is the only overseas-based selection, after the New South Wales Waratahs announced the signing of prop Sekope Kepu.

Kepu was granted a release from the final two years of his deal with French club Bordeaux and will now link with the Wallabies upon his return to Australia.

“We had a great week and the competition for spots has been intense during each of the sessions,” Cheika said in a statement.

“All of the players in the broader squad will be picked at some point during the series and I know that any of them could step in if asked at any time.”

Melbourne Rebels winger Hodge was a late call-up as injury cover for Rebels team-mate Harris.

“Reece has really impressed me this week after being thrown into the deep end,” Cheika said.

“It's not just about being in the environment for him now and I know he'll be pushing for selection in the match day 23.”

The first Test takes place in Brisbane on June 11, followed by further Tests in Melbourne on June 18 and Sydney on June 25.

Wallabies squad

Forwards: Alan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Sam Carter (Brumbies), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Greg Holmes (Queensland Reds), Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs), James Horwill (Harlequins), Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs), Ben McCalman (Western Force), Sean McMahon (Melbourne Rebels), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs), David Pocock (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs), Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs), James Slipper (Queensland Reds), Toby Smith (Melbourne Rebels)

Backs: Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs), Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs), Nick Frisby (Queensland Reds), Dane Haylett-Petty (Western Force), Reece Hodge (Melbourne Rebels), Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs), Karmichael Hunt (Queensland Reds), Samu Kerevi (Queensland Reds), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Luke Morahan (Western Force), Taqele Naiyaravoro (NSW Waratahs), Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs) – AFP

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