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The Wallabies have named a strong 31-man squad for the opening round of The Rugby Championship against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on July 18.
Following a gruelling five-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 two non-capped players, with Rory Arnold and Taqele Naiyaravoro both closing in on their first Wallabies appearance.
Notable names too miss out on selection in the squad include Number 8 Wycliff Palu and inside back Christian Lealiifano.
Uncapped players Samu Kerevi and Toby Smith also drops out the squad, with Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell retained.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “There were obviously some really tough calls to make. 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’ first Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on August 8.
31-man Wallabies Squad
Rory Arnold (Brumbies)*
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
Quade Cooper (Reds)
Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Will Genia (Reds)
Matt Giteau (Toulon)
Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
Greg Holmes (Reds)
Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Rob Horne (Waratahs)
James Horwill (Reds)
Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Stephen Moore – Captain (Brumbies)
Drew Mitchell (Toulon)
Ben McCalman (Force)
Sean McMahon (Rebels)
Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs)*
Nick Phipps (Waratahs)
David Pocock (Brumbies)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
Scott Sio (Brumbies)
Rob Simmons (Reds)
Will Skelton (Waratahs)
James Slipper (Reds)
Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
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.