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Adam Ashley-Cooper and Jordan Petaia headline Wallabies' Spring Tour train-on squad

29th October, 2018
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29th October, 2018
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The Wallabies have announced a 34-man train-on squad to spend a week in Japan ahead of their Spring Tour, with veteran back Adam Ashley-Cooper earning a recall to the national set-up.

Currently playing in Japan for the Kobe Steelers, the 34-year-old, who has 116 caps to his name, hasn’t been sighted in a Wallabies squad since 2016, but injuries to Reece Hodge (ankle) and Tevita Kuridrani (pectoral) have paved the way for him to regain a spot.

Cheika was making no promises about Ashley-Cooper going to Europe, though, saying he would have to train his way into the team.

“Adam will train with us, we’ll see where he’s at. He’s come on the tour with us to be available for selection, he’s not coming for a holiday,” said Cheika.

“His experience is important and also just his versatility, his ability to cover a few positions. With him and then a guy like Jordan, it’s probably a good balance. We need a couple of extra backs here on the trip.”

The move into the Australian train-on squad could add to the speculation that the utility back will re-join the Waratahs from next season, although no move has been confirmed at this stage.

Also added to the squad is youngster Jordan Petaia. The 18-year-old was a breakout star in Super Rugby for the Reds, and despite a lack of experience, Cheika said Petaia had been picked with an eye to the World Cup.

“Jordan has just got a lot of good touches. He’s a good lad, he wants to succeed, he wants to do the work, he’s eager,” said Cheika.

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“Having him here with us on these next few weeks will give him an idea of what’s required at the level and give him a chance to make a play for the World Cup squad.”

Fellow uncapped players Jed Holloway and Jake Gordon will also spend a week in Japan, while Rob Valenti has been included as a development player to round out the squad.

After missing Bledisloe 3 through club rugby commitments, Matt Toomua will rejoin the squad as well for the training camp. The back, who currently plays for the Leicester Tigers ahead of his switch to the Melbourne Rebels next year, will be a valuable addition for the Wallabies

While the Spring Tour will include three matches against Wales, Italy and England, the training camp will be held in Odawara, Japan, where the Wallabies will be based for the 2019 World Cup.

The squad will be trimmed before Australia depart for Europe on Saturday ahead of their first game against Wales on November 11.

Wallabies train-on squad for 2018 Spring Tour

Forwards
Jermaine Ainsley (1 Test, Melbourne Rebels)
Allan Alaalatoa (30 Tests, Brumbies)
Rory Arnold (19 Tests , Brumbies)
Adam Coleman (28 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Jack Dempsey (7 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Folau Fainga’a (6 Tests, Brumbies)
Ned Hanigan (18 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Jed Holloway (uncapped, NSW Waratahs)
Michael Hooper (c) (88 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Sekope Kepu (100 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Tolu Latu (10 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (4 Tests, Queensland Reds)
David Pocock (75 Tests, Brumbies)
Izack Rodda (14 Tests, Queensland Reds)
Rob Simmons (91 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Pete Samu (7 Tests, Brumbies)
Scott Sio (52 Tests, Brumbies)
Taniela Tupou (9 Tests, Queensland Reds)

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Backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper (116, Kobe Steelers)
Tom Banks (3 Tests, Brumbies)
Kurtley Beale (81 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Israel Folau (70 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (65 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Will Genia (97 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Jake Gordon (uncapped, NSW Waratahs)
Dane Haylett-Petty (28 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Samu Kerevi (22 Tests, Queensland Reds)
Marika Koroibete (18 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Jack Maddocks (5 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Sefa Naivalu (8 Tests, Melbourne Rebels)
Jordan Petaia (uncapped, Queensladn Reds)
Nick Phipps (70 Tests, NSW Waratahs)
Matt Toomua (39, Leicester Tigers/Melbourne Rebels)

Development Player
Rob Valetini (uncapped, Brumbies)

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