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New faces are the order of the day for the Wallabies as Dave Rennie named his squad to take on England in this winter’s Test series, ahead of a three-day camp on the Gold Coast next month.
But the most significant news came in the absence of one of the veterans – Matt Toomua left out for emerging Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson.
Eight uncapped players have been named in the 40-man group, with the Brumbies’ 15 men the most from any Super Rugby side.
The Waratahs’ improvement in 2022 has been validated with ten players chosen, including uncapped hooker David Porecki’s return to the fold after missing the 2021 season through injury.
>> Head here for the full Wallabies’ squad
Donaldson and lock Jed Holloway are also in the running for their first Test caps, with Donaldson’s inclusion coming at the expense of stalwart Toomua, after the Rebels’ winless start to the season.
Coach Dave Rennie told reporters Toomua had been a victim of his positional change to flyhalf for the Rebels along with his form struggles.
“Some of it’s based around form,” said Rennie. “He’s a really good man, very experienced player, playing a fair bit of 10 but we see him more as a 12 and we have a lot of midfielders who are going really well. His job is to put a bit of pressure on us through performance over the next 10 weeks.”
Donaldson has been impressive for the Tahs in their 3-2 start to the season.
“Ben got his chance late last year hast had a lot of footy prior to that.,” said Rennie.
” He has genuine change of pace and threatens the line, there are a lot of areas he needs to get better at but we were keen to get him in.”
Rennie meanwhile entered the debate over where he thought Jock Campbell should play for the Reds. While Campbell began the season at fullback, he has been shunted to the wing with Jordie Petaia given the No.15 jersey.
“I believe his best position is 15,” Rennie said. “Jordie wants to play 15 and is making a good fist of it as well. Competition is good and hopefully it brings out the best in both of them.
“Campbell’s been knocking on the door for a while, he was close last year, he’ll head back to Reds with real clarity about what we’re looking for.”
Rennie selected uncapped Nick Frost despite his decision to play in Japan as one of six locks on the squad. He said lock was an area the Wallabies were thin in.
Holloway had played for Irish Pro14 side Munster and signed with Japanese outfit Toyota Verblitz in recent years, but the former Australian U20 representative has returned to the Tahs for 2022, with his outstanding form ever since instantly rewarded.
“We like Jed’s edge and my preference is him in the second row. The brutality he brings to his game is a point of difference and he knows he has to work on when to rein it in,” said Rennie.
“Darren Coleman’s done an excellent job – he’s trying to get more out of him. I think his skill set suits him in the send row and I think he’s enjoying the continuity of playing in one position.”
Tahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes also returns to the cusp of international selection, after being overlooked 12 months ago.
Eight Reds, four Rebels and three Force players make up the remainder of the squad.
“Over the past two seasons we’ve built a foundation we can propel our game from, but we know we have a lot more in us,” Rennie said.
“The camp is an opportunity to get in front of all the players set expectations, we’ll make sure every one is clear on where their game is what’s their point of difference, we’ll work around culture and physical assessments.”
Along with Toomua, Reds pair Liam Wright and Angus Scott-Young were among the biggest names overlooked, while Brumbies centre Irae Simone’s stirring recent form wasn’t enough to earn him a call-up.
Full Wallabies Squad (asterisk denotes uncapped player)
Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Angus Bell, Jock Campbell*, Ben Donaldson* , Folau Fainga’a, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost*, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper (captain), Jed Holloway*, Len Ikitau, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Feleti Kaitu’u, Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan*, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Cadeyrn Neville*, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, David Porecki*, Toni Pulu*, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Swinton, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright.