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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has this evening named a 33-man squad for the first Test against England to be played next Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
There are seven potential debutants with the squad being selected after a training camp on the Sunshine Coast over the last week.
The debutants named with a chance of being in the run on side come Saturday week are Alan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Nick Frisby, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Karmichael Hunt and Samu Kerevi.
The squad also features 22 members of the Wallabies 2015 Rugby World Cup squad that lost the final to New Zealand 34-17.
Cheika was glowing in his assessment of the debutants and squad.
“We had a great week in Caloundra and the competition for spots has been intense during each of the sessions. All of the players in the broader squad will be picked at some point during the series and I know that any of them could step in if asked at anytime.” said Cheika.
Reece Hodge, one of the debutants named in the final 33-man squad was only brought in as injury cover during the week for injured Rebels teammate Mike Harris.
“Reece has really impressed me this week after being thrown into the deep end,” Cheika said.
James Horwill has also been selected as the only overseas-based player with the Waratahs signing veteran Sekope Kepu during the week, who said he enjoyed his time in France but was honoured to come home and play Super Rugby.
The Squad
Alan Alaalatoa* (Brumbies)
Rory Arnold* (Brumbies)
Sam Carter (Brumbies)
Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)
Nick Frisby* (Queensland Reds)
Dane Haylett-Petty* (Western Force)
Reece Hodge* (Melbourne Rebels)
Greg Holmes (Queensland Reds)
Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
James Horwill (Harlequins)
Karmichael Hunt* (Queensland Reds)
Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
Samu Kerevi* (Queensland Reds)
Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
Ben McCalman (Western Force)
Sean McMahon (Melbourne Rebels)
Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
Luke Morahan (Western Force)
Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (NSW Waratahs)
Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs)
David Pocock (Brumbies)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs)
Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
Scott Sio (Brumbies)
Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs)
James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
Toby Smith (Melbourne Rebels)
*denotes uncapped at Test level
The match will be played on Saturday, June 11 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm (AEST).
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.