Schmidt recalls Wallaby veteran in new-look squad
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt has named a 38-man squad ahead of Tests against Georgia and Wales.
One name that stood out is the 95-time capped Kurtley Beale.
Beale (35), who was cleared of sexual assault offences earlier this year, made his playing return with the Western Force in April.
The 38-man squad consists of 13 uncapped players.
The Wallabies will look to redeem themselves under Schmidt after a disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign under Eddie Jones – where they crashed out of the pool stage for the first time in their history.
Schmidt also included former All Black prop Alex Hodgman – who qualifies under World Rugby’s eligibility rule having last played for New Zealand four years ago.
No place for promising rookies
Unfortunately, there was no place for the two NRL-bound backline rookies Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The duo, who made their Australia debuts under Jones, signed deals with league sides the Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters respectively from next year.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh and hooker Josh Nasser, who are the sons of Wallaby legends Micheal Lynagh and Brendan Nasser who won the World Cup with Australia in 1991, are among the 13 uncapped players.
Prop James Slipper headlines the experience column in terms of Test caps with 134 to his name.
The squad will assemble for a four-day camp in Brisbane this Sunday ahead of the first Test against Wales in Sydney on July 6.
Australia squad to face Wales and Georgia:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright.
Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright.
