Coach Robbie Deans has named his first Wallaby squad of the season with a number of new faces featured. Deans today announced a squad of 30 players to take on Fiji, England and Ireland in upcoming tests across the country. A further 10 players have been named as part of an Australian Barbarians (the fancy dan name for Aussie A) team that will play two mid week games against the touring English side.
Deans had to contend with a number of injuries to key players including lock James Horwill, loose head prop Benn Robinson, hooker Stephen Moore and former captain Stirling Mortlock. As a result of these injuries injuries, and impressive Super 14 form, a number of new faces have been named.
The players named are:
Australia:
Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Mark Chisholm, Quade Cooper, Pekahou Cowan, Ben Daley, Rocky Elsom, Huia Edmonds, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Stephen Hoiles, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Salesi Ma’afu, Drew Mitchell, Dean Mumm, James O’Connor, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Nathan Sharpe, Lachie Turner, Josh Valentine, Laurie Weeks.
Australian Barbarians:
Will Chambers, Mitchell Chapman, Nick Cummins, Kane Douglas, Anthony Faingaa, Damien Fitzpatrick, Ben McCalman, Pat McCutcheon, Rob Simmons, James Slipper.
