Rennie picks 16 uncapped players in Australia squad

Dave Rennie has named 16 uncapped players in an extended 44-man squad for Australia’s Test season.

Australia will play two Tests away to New Zealand in October before hosting The Rugby Championship from November.

Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika as head coach last November after a quarter-final elimination at the Rugby World Cup, selected a youthful squad.

Of the 16 uncapped names, eight have only made their Super Rugby debuts this season, while 13 of the other players included have under 10 international caps.

No captain was named but incumbent Michael Hooper is among the more experienced players picked in the group.

Rugby Australia had permitted two overseas players to be named in the squad but ultimately none were selected, though Tolu Latu may still be called up depending on the severity of an injury to Jordan Uelese.

Injuries for Matt Toomua, Jordan Petaia and Dane Haylett-Petty will also be monitored.

New squad, who dis? #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/sgEJGHAE8G

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 13, 2020

“This is a really exciting day for us,” said Rennie.

“We’ve picked this squad on form and on potential and I know the whole group are chomping at the bit to get stuck in and push their case for a Wallaby jersey.

“There’s a big game [the Super Rugby Au final] to come on Saturday night down in Canberra but personally, I’m really looking forward to getting out on the grass in a week’s time to start putting in the work together.

“When we picked the squad, we had to consider how we will handle the rigours of the Test calendar ahead.

“It is obviously a big squad which is due to COVID restrictions as we can’t bring players in and out but each of one them is there on merit.”

The Brumbies were the best represented team with 13 selections.
 

Australia squad: Jermaine Ainsley, Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Angus Bell, Filipo Daugunu, Pone Fa’amausili, Folau Fainga’a, Jake Gordon, Ned Hanigan, Will Harrison, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Tom Horton, Trevor Hosea, Len Ikitau, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Marika Korobiete, Noah Lolesio, Jack Maddocks, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, James O’Connor, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, Joe Powell, James Ramm, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Irae Simone, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Lachie Swinton, Matt To’omua, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Tom Wright.

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