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Controversial fly-half Quade Cooper was overlooked by Wallaby coach Robbie Deans when he named his initial 25-man squad to meet the Lions next month in a three-Test series.
Six more names will be added by June 11, which translates to Cooper still having a second chance.
“Right now Quade is not up to Test standard. I’ve spoken to him at length, and he knows what is required … No, it’s not just his defence, it’s his overall play,” was how Deans explained Cooper’s omission.
Winger Drew Mitchell missed out as well, so too full-back Jesse Mogg, half-back Nic White, locks Kane Douglas and Hugh Pyle, along with props Dan Palmer and Paddy Ryan.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau wasn’t considered with a fractured right arm, nor were flanker George Smith with medial ligament damage, and centre Pat McCabe with a knee injury, all casualties from last night’s very physical Super Rugby clash at ANZ Stadium between the Waratahs and Brumbies.
On the bright side, Israel Folau made the squad as both a full-back and winger, even though it’s the former where he’s stamped his name.
He’s one of three uncapped newcomers with Ben Mowen, and Christian Lealiifano.
The other intriguing selection was James O’Connor as first choice fly-half, because as Deans put it, he best suits our needs.
“He plays very square which allows the backline to function smoothly, his defence is good, and he takes good options.”
That’s a big call from the coach, seeing O’Connor rarely plays at 10.
We all know O’Connor is a rare utility talent, but Deans has obviously seen more in him than meets the eye.
But having picked Berrick Barnes, another multi-talented positional footballer, Deans has covered his bases very shrewdly.
He’s happy with the squad, and that’s the most vital aspect of all.
Bring on the Lions, the Wallabies are waiting.
The 25-man Wallabies squad:
Props – Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Slipper, and Sekope Kepu.
Hookers – Stephen Moore and Saia Fainga’a.
Locks: James Horwill, Rob Simmons, and Sitaleki Timani,
Back-rowers – Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Dave Dennis, Scott Higginbotham, Wycliff Palu, and Ben Mowen.
Half-back: Will Genia.
Fly-halves: James O’Connor, Christian Leiliifano, and Berrick Barnes.
Centres: Rob Horne, and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Wings: Digby Ioane, Joe Tomane, and Nick Cummins.
Full=back: Israel Folau.
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