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2013 Wallabies squad profiles

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British and Irish Lions Tour 2013 | Lions Fixtures 2013 | Lions Squad + Profiles | Wallabies Squad | TV

Wallabies LogoAhead of the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has selected a 25-man strong squad for the three-match series, with a further six players to be added prior to the series.

There is certain to be conjecture surrounding the final make-up of Robbie Deans’ final 22, and Roarers have already weighed in with their own thoughts on who should be in the starting XV.

Here, we run the rule over the player profiles of the 25-player Wallabies squad.

Israel Folau
Age: 23
Size: 193cm, 103kg
Position: Fullback/wing
Tests: 0

The league international has been an instant hit in his third football code and is a potential game-breaker despite his inexperience.

Berrick Barnes
Age: 27
Size: 183cm, 87kg
Position: Utility back
Tests: 50

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Versatile playmaker who Robbie Deans can use at flyhalf, inside centre or fullback.

Digby Iaone
Age: 27
Size: 179cm, 93kg
Position: Wing
Tests: 34

Tackle-busting flyer who is world class but has battled a knee problem.

Nick Cummins

Age: 25
Size: 189cm, 99kg
Position: Wing
Tests: 6

Passionate Western Force winger who runs as hard as he tackles.

Joe Tomane
Age: 23
Size: 188cm, 101kg
Position: Wing
Tests: 1

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A former Melbourne and Gold Coast NRL winger whose speed and strength has been harnessed by the Brumbies.

Adam Ashley-Cooper
Age: 29
Size: 182cm, 98kg
Position: Outside back
Tests: 77

So long the Wallabies’ Mr Fix-It, the versatile AAC appears finally settled in his rightful home at No.13 this season.

Rob Horne
Age: 23
Size: 186cm, 88kg
Position: Centre
Tests: 14

Direct-running NSW centre and strong defender who has overcome a terrible injury run.

Christian Leali’ifano
Age: 25
Size: 179cm, 92kg
Position: Five-eighth/centre
Tests: 0

An admired backline all-rounder who had Test honours cruelly taken away by injury last year.

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James O’Connor
Age: 22
Size: 180cm, 89kg
Position: Five-eighth/wing
Tests: 37

A controversial choice as Deans’ preferred playmaker, O’Connor possesses an electric running game.

Will Genia
Age: 25
Size: 174cm, 82kg
Position: Halfback
Tests: 41

The Wallabies’ Mr Indispensable. The complete package as a No.9 who stands among the best players in the game.

Wycliff Palu
Age: 30
Size: 194cm, 116kg
Position: No.8
Tests: 46

Injury-plagued back-row bulldozer who has the size and power Deans loves.

Scott Higginbotham
Age: 26
Size: 195cm, 110kg
Position: No.8/Flanker
Tests: 23

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In career-best form, the tough and skilful Melbourne Rebels skipper adds an X-factor to the Wallabies back-row.

Ben Mowen
Age: 28
Size: 195cm, 115kg
Position: No.8/Flanker
Tests: 0

The hard-working No.8 has finally cracked a Wallabies squad berth after a fine season as Brumbies captain.

Dave Dennis
Age: 27
Size: 192cm, 104kg
Position: Blindside flanker
Tests: 15

The Waratahs skipper boasts the versatility of playing No.6, 8 and second-row.

Michael Hooper
Age: 21
Size: 182cm, 101kg
Position: Openside flanker
Tests: 13

Super-quick No.7 who revelled in his debut Test season in 2012 by filling David Pocock’s big boots.

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Liam Gill

Age: 20
Size: 184cm, 96kg
Position: Openside flanker
Tests: 8

The Reds youngster has been in superb Super Rugby form and is an all-rounder in the mould of George Smith.

James Horwill
Age: 27
Size: 200cm, 117kg
Position: Lock
Tests: 35

An inspirational leader with Queensland who is always an influential presence for the Wallabies.

Sitaleki Timani
Age: 26
Size: 203cm, 121kg
Position: Lock
Tests: 10

Possesses the size and brute strength the Wallabies may need to counter the Lions pack.

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Rob Simmons
Age: 24
Size: 200cm, 115kg
Position: Lock
Tests: 23

An athletic second-rower who is a fine lineout caller and target.

Ben Alexander
Age: 28
Size: 189cm, 117kg
Position: Prop
Tests: 48

Versatile Brumbies prop who loves to get his hands on the ball and to score tries.

Sekope Kepu
Age: 27
Size: 188cm, 118kg
Position: Prop
Tests: 23

Top scrummager who plays both sides of the scrum but has been slow to warm in 2013.

James Slipper
Age: 23
Size: 185cm, 113kg
Position: Prop
Tests: 34

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Dynamic Reds front-rower plays like a back-rower around the paddock and can pack both sides of the scrum.

Benn Robinson
Age: 28
Size: 183cm, 113kg
Position: Prop
Tests: 56

Nicknamed Fat Cat, the experienced prop looms as the Wallabies’ loosehead starter.

Stephen Moore
Age: 30
Size: 186cm, 112kg
Position: Hooker
Tests: 76

Australia’s most-capped current forward is reliable, no-frills and a key figure up front.

Saia Faingaa

Age: 26
Size: 187cm, 108kg
Position: Hooker
Tests: 18

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The low-tackling Reds rake gets his chance through injury to Tatafu Polota-Nau.

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