Wallabies Uncap Trio for Argentina Tour
Coach Joe Schmidt has selected a 35-man squad for the Wallabies' upcoming Rugby Championship tour of Argentina, with three uncapped players making the cut.
David Feliuai, formerly of the Rebels and now bound for the Brumbies, joins Western Force duo Hamish Stewart and Josh Canham in vying for a spot in the Wallabies setup. The trio are all aiming to fill the void left by inside centre Hunter Paisami, who is ruled out of the tour due to injury.
Stewart is one of several Western Force players included in the squad, alongside former Test hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who returns to Australia after a three-year stint with Montpellier in France. Prop Tom Robertson also earns a recall for the tour.
Young lock Canham, who has signed a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds, earned his place in the squad after impressing with the now-defunct Rebels.
NSW Waratahs back-rower Langi Gleeson makes a welcome return after recovering from an ankle injury. Winger Max Jorgensen and flanker Carlo Tizzano, both of whom made their Wallabies debuts against South Africa in recent weeks, are also included in the touring party.
The squad will be without several players due to injury, with centre Filipo Daugunu and flanker Fraser McReight among the 12 sidelined for the Argentina tour.
Veteran prop James Slipper has a chance to reach a historic milestone on the tour, potentially becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time. If he features in both Tests against Los Pumas, he will surpass George Gregan's record of 139 appearances for Australia.
The Wallabies will travel to Argentina on Friday ahead of the two Tests in La Plata and Santa Fe. They head to the Southern Hemisphere after opening their Rugby Championship campaign with two defeats at home against the reigning world champions, the Springboks.
Argentina will provide a stern test for the Wallabies on their home turf, having split their two Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
"It's been a challenging couple of weeks, but as a coaching group, we're keen to continue helping a mostly consistent group move forward," Schmidt said. "The Pumas have a talented and robust squad, which, along with the travel, will require further improvement from our squad."
Wallabies Tour Squad:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Backs: Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
