Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has today announced a provisional train-on squad to contest the inaugural Rugby Championship.
The squad is:
Backs: Kurtley Beale (Rebels), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Drew Mitchell (Waratahs), Lachie Turner (Waratahs), Nick Cummins (Force), Cooper Vuna (Rebels), Rob Horne (Waratahs), Mitch Inman (Rebels), Pat McCabe (Brumbies), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Berrick Barnes (Waratahs), Nick Phipps (Rebels), Nic White (Brumbies).
Forwards: Ben Mowen (Brumbies), David Pocock (Force), Michael Hooper (Brumbies), Dave Dennis (Waratahs), Kane Douglas (Waratahs), Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels), Hugh Pyle (Rebels), Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Paddy Ryan (Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs).
Due to the Queensland Reds’ involvement in the finals of the Super Rugby tournament, no Reds have been picked at this stage.
The other notable omission is Nathan Sharpe, who is being rested from the first camp.
One as yet un-named outside back and two loose forwards from the national Academy programme will be invited to join training at the first camp.
Players not considered because of injury: Salesi Ma’afu (Force), Dan Palmer (Brumbies), James Horwill (Reds), Ben McCalman (Force), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), James O’Connor (Rebels), Joe Tomane (Brumbies).
Wallabies games for The Rugby Championship (all times AEST):
- August 18 v. New Zealand, ANZ Stadium Sydney, 8:05pm
- August 23 v. New Zealand, Eden Park Auckland, 5:35pm
- September 8 v. South Africa, Patersons Stadium Perth, 8:05pm
- September 15 v. Argentina, Skilled Park Gold Coast, 8:05pm
- September 30 v. South Africa, Loftus Versfeld Pretoria, 1:00am
- October 7 v. Argentina, Rosario Argentina, 9:10am
