Two of six uncapped players from Michael Cheika’s original expanded squad remain in the slimmed-down 28-man edition, and are in contention to make their debuts.
Jack Maddocks and Tom Banks have both made the cut in the squad for the first Bledisloe Cup match, which will be played next weekend.
Jordan Petaia, Billy Meakes, Folau Faingaa and Jermaine Ainsley were the four other uncapped players originally included, but have missed the cut.
Rory Arnold, Caleb Timu, Billy Meakes and Sefa Naivalu have also been cut from what was originally a 36-man squad.
Meanwhile Michael Hooper, Dane Haylett-Petty and Scott Sio have all overcome injury concerns to stay in the mix.
Cheika said the cuts would allow the remaining players to receive a more concentrated coaching experience in the leadup to Bledisloe 1.
“We’ll have some extra players in there on Monday and Tuesday, so we can get our training done and then I just think that I want to have a bit more focus on the group that’s going to play the game,” he said.
“I want the guys that are not playing in that given week to go and play some footy, whether it be Club or NRC, depending on the time of year.
“I just think that little bit of extra focus on a smaller group of players in there can build our alignment and cohesion.
“Everyone’s focused on the one task, everyone knows what their role is.”
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa (23 Tests, Brumbies, 24)
Adam Coleman (23 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)
Ned Hanigan (13 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23)
Michael Hooper (c) (82 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26)
Sekope Kepu (94 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 32)
Tolu Latu (7 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 25)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (3 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)
David Pocock (69 Tests, Brumbies, 30)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (82 Tests, Leicester, 33)
Tom Robertson (21 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 23)
Izack Rodda (7 Tests, Queensland Reds, 21)
Pete Samu (3 Tests, Brumbies, 26)
Rob Simmons (85 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Scott Sio (46 Tests, Brumbies, 26)
Lukhan Tui (7 Tests, Queensland Reds, 21)
Taniela Tupou (4 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)
Backs
Tom Banks (uncapped, Brumbies, 24)
Kurtley Beale (74 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Israel Folau (65 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Bernard Foley (58 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 28)
Will Genia (90 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30)
Dane Haylett-Petty (21 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29)
Reece Hodge (27 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 23)
Marika Koroibete (11 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 26)
Jack Maddocks (uncapped, Melbourne Rebels, 21)
Nick Phipps (64 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Joe Powell (4 Tests, Brumbies, 24)
Matt Toomua (33 Tests, Leicester/Melbourne Rebels, 28)
Ash
Guest
Let’s hope the ball gats thrown to Hodge for exits in general and penalties along with long range penalty shots from 60 out. We need to put scoreboard pressure on the ABs and take everything we can if are going to have any hope. There’s no use Foley pop gunning kicks 10 metres up the line.
Reality Check
Guest
If Hanigan Phipps and Robertson are in the 23. AB`s by 50
John P
Guest
Timu maybe isn`t world class, but Hanigan isn't even test class.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Thanks Max, while it is no good that he was injured it does sound like he never had the chance to challenge for a Tahs spot this season.
Max Power
Guest
Jez, speaking of the Tahs and going on a big tangent here but you asked about JP Sauni on another post a couple of weeks ago. He's been on limited minutes in the Shute Shield all season after a knee injury in a Norths trial game. He has also been locked in a battle for the starting spot with Sam Kitchen who has been at Norths for a few seasons and was their starting hooker in 2016.
nothing if not critical
Roar Rookie
I’m more worried about what happens when Phipps runs on than Hanigan. Almost think Cheika will play Tui over Hanigan anyway
Fionn
Guest
- Retallick - 204cm / 121kg - Whitelock - 203cm / 120k - Etzebeth - 204cm / 118kg - de Jager - 206cm / 125kg - Coleman - 204cm / 122kg - Snyman - 206cm / 125kg - PSDT - 200cm / 120kg - Launchbury - 198cm / 122kg - AWJ - 198cm / 118kg - Nakarawa - 198cm / 109kg - Itoje - 198cm / 115kg - Lawes - 201cm / 111kg - Barrett - 197cm / 112kg - Mostert - 198cm / 112kg You're right, there are plenty of 115kg locks. That being said it still looks to me now that most international locks are close to 200cm and 120kg. Those that are under in both are exceptionally talented athletes (such as Nakarawa).
jeznez
Roar Guru
My frustration extends to the Tahs where I’m not sure Gibson is as much of a one man show
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
There are no selectors. It is MC alone.
Nomad far north
Guest
yep solid squad... as an AB fan i was dreaming that Cheik would be so stubborn as to pick Rona again, despite his huge defensive holes when debuted on the wing... Instead i guess Rona will get secong chance and redeem himself against Argentina... i respect Hodge's skills and competitiveness... and if Crotty only lasts 30 mins before another HIA, Hodge shouldnt be out-foxed in centres.
Utah
Guest
Does Cheika pick players on training form or something??? Some of his selections suggest so, as there can be few other reasons.
Utah
Guest
Arnold being cut is staggering. The form Australian lock of the competition. Staggering.
Drongo
Guest
No one can accuse Cheika of lacking faith and conviction in his own judgement. It is his team, it has a couple of differences to what my team would be, however one of us is the Wallaby coach and one isn’t. And this squad isn’t the result off any ridiculous or unpredictable decisions (unlike some), it is a very strong team and importantly it appears stronger than last year’s team. He has certainly shown faith in his preferred selections and he never yields to cheap critics, and there are plenty of those. I wish them all the best in the massive challenge ahead, the ABs at pretty much full strength. Should really be not much more than a training run for the Kiwis as they prepare for their true historical and spiritual rivals, the Boks.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Some disappointing cuts and retention's there. Gee it makes it harder to support teams when the coach/selectors hamstring them by not picking the best available options.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Sio TPN Kepu Coleman Rodda Tui Hooper Pocock Genia Foley Koroibete Beale Hodge DHP Folau Latu Robertson Thor Simmons Samu Phipps Toomua Banks If it’s a 5/3 bench If a 6/2, I suspect it will be Banks out and Hanigan in.
Jameswm
Guest
Simmo in ahead of Arnold? Seriously? Did Cheika not watch the last few games of the Super season? Hanigan I doubt will be in the 23. Tui, Hoops and Poey to start, Samu on the bench. Hanigan in the 23 only if we go a 6-2 split.
ozinsa
Guest
I think people generally don’t observe either their favourites or those they hate clearly. Simmons has led an improved Tah set piece and picked up his impactful engagements since a disappointing 2017. Hanigan is clearly a better player than he was last year. I think Cheika went for Rodda over Arnold with Simmons the preferred bench option with Hanigan
Wade Fite
Guest
Don't worry about the financials...Raelene can always get a $6M loan from Captain Courageous.
ozinsa
Guest
Most locks are 115kg. Those over 120kg are the exception not the rule. One of the real young guns, James Ryan, is 112kg. Heft and speed are more important than just weight but of course there are limits. Fast and strong at 100kg isn’t going to do the job
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Feel for Arnold although I’m sure he will get a run at some stage during the RC. When he misses out that’s a sign that some depth is there in the 2 row. I’m not a big Simmons fan however his lineout work generally gets him the nod ahead of others it seems. Hodge to be the 13 with Rona missing out, I have been concerned with his form over the past month particularly in defence. I’m sure Timu will also get a run at some stage during the RC or on Spring Tour. However his form is not there yet to take on the AB’s. He did little against Ireland so to pick him against AB’s would be a big gamble. Solid squad.