Michael Cheika Names 32-Man Wallaby Squad To Take On Ireland
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Down under.
Brumbies bolters Folau Fainga’a and Tom Banks are the surprise men in Michael Cheika’s 32 man Wallabies squad that will take on Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in a three-Test series next month.
The duo are among five uncapped players in the squad along with Rebels outside back Jack Maddocks and Reds forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu.
Melbourne-born Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu — who has signed with the Brumbies for the 2019 and 2020 seasons — was not included. Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby continue to hold talks regarding Samu’s availability and Cheika remains hopeful he will be available for the Ireland series.
There are 10 Waratahs, eight Rebels, eight Brumbies and six Reds in the squad.
WALLABIES SQUAD
Hookers: Folau Fainga’a, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jordan Uelese
Props: Sekope Kepu, Tom Robertson, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Allan Alaalatoa
Locks: Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Rory Arnold
Back-rowers: Michael Hooper (c), David Pocock, Caleb Timu, Lukhan Tui, Ned Hanigan
Halfbacks: Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Bernard Foley
Centres: Kurtley Beale, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Curtis Rona
Outside backs: Israel Folau, Tom Banks, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Jack Maddocks, Marika Koroibete, Sefa Naivalu