Seven in Wallaby squad ruled out due to concussion
NEWS: New Australia coach Eddie Jones was dealt a blow Sunday when seven players picked in his maiden squad were ruled out after a spate of concussions and injuries during a bruising Super Rugby Pacific weekend.
They include ACT Brumbies trio Len Ikitau, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain, along with Waratahs pair Ned Hanigan and Dave Porecki, all of whom suffered head knocks.
Brumbies backrower Pete Samu also missed out with an ankle injury sustained during a hard fought 43-28 win over the Fijian Drua, while the Waratahs’ Langi Gleeson has a calf strain.
“While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp,” said former England boss Jones, who assumed control of the Wallabies in January when Dave Rennie was axed.
The 33-man squad will assemble on Queensland’s Gold Coast on Monday for a three-day camp as they prepare for the Rugby Championship, starting in July, then the World Cup in France.
Those brought in for the injured seven included the Waratahs’ Lachlan Swinton and Izaia Perese, while Brumbies pair Rhys Van Nek and Rory Scott got a call up for the first time.
Queensland Reds duo Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith will also get their first Wallabies experience, while teammate and No.8 Harry Wilson was recalled after contentiously being snubbed in the initial squad.
But Jones continued to overlook playmaker Noah Lolesio and halfbacks Jake Gordon and Tate McDermott, who have all previously been part of the Wallabies set-up.
“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start,” Jones added.
Overseas-based stars such as Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley and Marika Koroibete were not considered, but will reportedly join the camp via Zoom.
Wallabies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Donaldson, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Fraser McReight, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Tom Robertson, Rory Scott, James Slipper, Ryan Smith, Lachlan Swinton, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Rhys Van Nek, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Brad Wilkin, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright.
