Wallabies bring in uncapped trio for tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Joe Schmidt has named uncapped trio David Feliuai, Josh Canham and Hamish Stewart in his 35-man squad for the Wallabies’ two Rugby Championship Tests in Argentina.
Former Rebels and Brumbies-bound Feliuai and Western Force Stewart could contend to replace inside centre Hunter Paisami, who won’t make the tour due to injury.
Stewart is among several Western Force inclusions including hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who has returned to Australia following a three-year stint with Montpellier in France, and prop Tom Robertson who earns a recall.
Young lock Canham comes in after making a big impression with the now-defunct Rebels and landing a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
Waratahs loose forward Langi Gleeson returns after recovering from an ankle issue, with wing Max Jorgensen and flank Carlo Tizzano both set to make the trip after making Wallabies debuts over the past fortnight against South Africa.
Centre Filipo Daugunu and flank Fraser McReight remain on a 12-strong injured list of players unavailable for the tour.
Veteran prop James Slipper can reach the remarkable milestone of becoming the most-capped Wallaby of all time if he plays both Tests of the tour.
He currently sits just one match shy of George Gregan’s record of 139 matches for Australia.
The squad will travel to Argentina on Friday ahead of Tests against Los Pumas in La Plata and Santa Fe, coming off two home losses to the world champion Springboks to open their Rugby Championship campaign.
Argentina will present a formidable obstacle on their home turf after splitting their two Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
“It’s been a challenging couple of weeks but as a coaching group we are keen to continue trying to help a mostly consistent group go forward,” Schmidt said.
“The Pumas have a talented and robust squad, which, along with the travel, will require further improvement from our squad.”
Wallabies tour squad:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Backs: Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
