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Ewen McKenzie has announced a 28-man squad for the Wallabies’ final two matches of the Rugby Championship in South Africa and Argentina, with skipper James Horwill returning from injury as captain.
Horwill returns after shaking off a troublesome left-hamstring injury, while Benn Robinson also returns in the forwards after a series of strong performances in the Shute Shield over the past month.
As was evident in the win over the Pumas, the Wallabies scrum has struggled in The Rugby Championship and McKenzie believes the inclusions will strengthen the squad.
“James has been working hard in rehab and is getting closer to a return while Benn has also impressed in club Rugby to earn himself another chance,” he said.
“The scrums have been inconsistent across all the Tests so far and we are now about to embark on a tough two-game road tour.
“We want to improve this area of our game and when you combine the Tests played between Ben and James we are bringing in another 99 games of experience up front.”
McKenzie has also brought in three uncapped players. Albert Anae comes into the squad as cover at hooker, 19-year-old Reds teammate Chris Feauai-Sautia has been named as a winger while Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley has also been included.
Sitaleki Timani and Dave Dennis are the other additions to the final 23-man squad that took on Argentina on Saturday night.
After breaking his hand in the Wallabies’ one-point win, Nick Cummins is unavailable as is Jesse Mogg, who will undergo a reconstruction on a persistent shoulder injury.
Interestingly, Liam Gill has been left out of the squad as has prop Scott Sio, however both will remain on standby.
The Wallabies will face the Springboks in Cape Town, a venue they have not won at since 1992, next Sunday morning AEST before travelling to Argentina to face the Pumas in Rosario on October 5.
Wallabies 28-man touring squad of South Africa and Argentina
Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Stephen Moore, Albert Anae, Kane Douglas, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Sitaleki Timani, Dave Dennis, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben McCalman, Ben Mowen, Will Genia, Nick White, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James O’Connor, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Joe Tomane, Israel Folau
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.