I'm pleasantly surprised that Cooper, Phipps and Hanigan aren't in this initial squad. I can only assume that none of them are in the selection frame moving forward and I think that's smart selecting. Cooper's best days are behind him, as are Phipps. Hanigan just hasn't done anything to make himself stand out. I can't help but wonder whether any (or all) of the above would have made the cut if it weren't for the new selection panel.
The selection of Lilo is a nice story and bang on. He's had a really good season and he's a genuine 10 with test experience.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is probably the only head scratcher for me. He's hardly been playing down the house this season. I'd have the likes of JOC (James O'Connor) ahead of him in a second but I can only assume that given JOC (James O'Connor)'s very late arrival they didn't consider him for selection.