Wallabies co-captain Michael Hooper is racing the clock to be for what can be his final Bledisloe Cup collection in opposition to the All Blacks after lacking inclusion within the 34-man squad for the 2 assessments.
Hooper, who has declared 2023 might be his final yr of worldwide rugby, is battling a calf damage which pressured him to overlook final weekend’s shock loss to Argentina and was as an alternative listed within the “rehab group” with the primary take a look at in opposition to New Zealand.
After back-to-back losses to being his second stint as Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones has dropped Tom Wright and Reece Hodge from his squad and can subject a 3rd completely different backline in as many matches.
Hodge and Wright began on the sector in opposition to South Africa and Argentina, at inside centre and fullback respectively, however have been axed as a bunch of gamers are available in.
Star Prop Taniela Tupou returns from his Achilles difficulty with backs Andrew Kellaway and Jordan Petaia additionally again from damage and the pair will push for the spots vacated by Wright and Hodge.
Versatile backrower Pete Samu has additionally been dropped, together with alternative entrance rowers Matt Gibbon and Zane Nonggor who had been within the first squad picked by Jones.
The squad gathers on the Gold Coast at this time for a three-day camp earlier than heading to Melbourne and Jones has already declared he’s optimistic concerning the problem of taking over the Kiwis and making an attempt to win the Bledisloe Cup again for the primary time in 20 years.
“I quite fancy ourselves against New Zealand, they haven’t been put under any pressure yet and I think we’ve got the ability to put them under some pressure,” Jones mentioned.
“I like coaching against New Zealand, it’s like the highlight of the year.
“We’re very disappointed with the results during stage one of our campaign.
“We need to find more in stage two and Melbourne will be a ground where we will find our best.”
WALLABIES BLEDISLOE CUP SQUAD
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Angus Bell, Pone Fa‘amausili, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Jed Holloway, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Matt Philip, David Porecki, Will Skelton, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (rehab group).
Backs: Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White.
Utility: Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch
Source: www.foxsports.com.au