Wallabies lose key flank for Springboks battle
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been forced readjust his loose trio combinations for the tour to South Africa and Argentina over the next two weeks.
Former Crusaders flank Pete Samu will miss the next four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the opening half against Argentina on the Gold Coast.
Michael Cheika has named Melbourne Rebels flank Angus Cottrell as a replacement. The Flank will join the Wallabies fold for the first time with the workhorse impressing during the Super Rugby season and in the opening rounds of the National Rugby Championship for the Melbourne Rising.
While the other uncapped player is scrumhalf Jake Gordon, who will also tour with Joe Powell to remain in Canberra to gain game time in the NRC for the Canberra Vikings while Tolu Latu will get vital match minutes for the NSW Country Eagles.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “There’s an opportunity presented to us now to get some good victories overseas and that’s going to come from consistency in the way that we play.
“We have got some news additions to the squad and these guys have shown plenty of grit and determination to get an opportunity at a higher level so now we’re looking for them to add that to the mix.
“We’re very determined to make sure that we repay the faith and show people what we’re about in the way we play,” Cheika said.
The Wallabies will square off against South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, before flying to Argentina to face the Pumas in Salta the following weekend.
Australia squad:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (captain), Sekope Kepu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Caleb Timu, Taniela Tupou
Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake Gordon, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua
