Michael Cheika – Wallabies coach
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika started to show his World Cup hand when he reduced his squad to just 31 players on Friday.
Cheika cut 9 players from the extended squad ahead of the opening Round of The Rugby Championship – when Australia play South Africa in Brisbane on 18 July.
Christian Lealiifano and Wycliff Palu were 2 of the high-profile casualties of the Wallaby cull.
The other 7 players left out from the initial 40-man train-on squad are Dave Dennis, James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Samu Kerevi, Toby Smith, Henry Speight and Nic White.
Following a gruelling 5-day camp at Sunshine Coast Stadium, the squad will assemble in Brisbane this Sunday 12 July.
The 31-man squad, captained by hooker Stephen Moore, boasts 2 non-capped players – with Rory Arnold and Taqele Naiyaravoro both closing in on their 1st Wallaby appearance.
“There were obviously some really tough calls to make,” Cheika said.
“The players who have not been named in this 31-man squad will still remain part of the group and will continue to contribute.
“We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season.
“I have had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment.
“It’s given me great confidence knowing we’re establishing some depth in key positions.
“There’s a certain thing about Queensland and how they support their teams, and in particular the Wallabies.
“Every time you go to Suncorp Stadium there’s always an energy and plenty of gold around the ground, and I know that will be no different for the Springboks game.”
Players not travelling with the squad to Brisbane will remain part of the Wallabies wider training squad, and will continue training with their respective Super Rugby teams.
Selected players will join the squad in Sydney in the lead-up to the Wallabies’ 1st Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on 8 August.
Wallabies squad: Rory Arnold, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Stephen Moore (Captain), Drew Mitchell, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Dean Mumm, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane.
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