[L-R] Tevita Kuridrani, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi and Isi Naisarani
Four players with links to Fiji have been included in the Wallabies 31-man Rugby World Cup squad.
They are Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Marika Koroibete and Isi Naisarani. There are a few surprises in the Wallabies squad.
Queensland rookie Jordan Petaia is the only player to make his debut in a fairly experienced group.
Of the 31‑man squad, 18 will be featuring in their first Rugby World Cup campaign while 13 have been there at least once before.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will take three specialist hookers in Folau Fainga’a, Tolu Latu and Jordan Uelese, opting to leave Tatafu Polota‑Nau behind.
In the forwards, there is no Will Skelton.
Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman and Rob Simmons are the second row contingent.
Jack Dempsey has been included in the squad despite suffering a shoulder injury in club rugby that has him under a cloud.
No. 7 David Pocock will also fly to Japan, despite missing more than six months of rugby with a niggling calf injury.
James O'Connor has continued a remarkable return to the Test fold with his selection in the group, eight years after his last World Cup appearance.
Ashley‑Cooper will become just the second Wallaby behind George Gregan to play in a fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup, despite having played limited minutes in the Rugby Championship.
The flyhalf trio of Christian Lealiifano, Bernard Foley and Matt To’omua have all been named in the 31.
The Wallabies open their Rugby World Cup campaign against the Flying Fijians at 4.45pm on the 21st of next month.
Wallabies squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa (34 Tests, Brumbies, 25)*
Rory Arnold (22 Tests , Brumbies, 29)*
Adam Coleman (33 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 28)*
Jack Dempsey (11 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 25)*
Folau Fainga’a (11 Tests, Brumbies, 24)*
Michael Hooper (c) (95 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 27)
Sekope Kepu (105 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 33)
Tolu Latu (15 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26)*
Isi Naisarani (4 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 24)*
David Pocock (77 Tests, Brumbies, 31)
Izack Rodda (21 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)*
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (15 Tests, Queensland Reds, 23)*
Rob Simmons (97 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 30)
Scott Sio (58 Tests, Brumbies, 27)
James Slipper (90 Tests, Brumbies, 30)
Taniela Tupou (15 Tests, Queensland Reds, 23)*
Jordan Uelese (3 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 22)*
Backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper (118 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 35)
Kurtley Beale (87 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 30)
Bernard Foley (69 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Will Genia (104 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 31)
Dane Haylett-Petty (32 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30)*
Reece Hodge (37 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 24)*
Samu Kerevi (29 Tests, Queensland Reds, 25)*
Marika Koroibete (23 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 27)*
Tevita Kuridrani (60 Tests, Brumbies, 28)
Christian Lealiifano (22 Tests, Brumbies, 31)*
James O’Connor (47 Tests, Queensland Reds, 29)
Jordan Petaia (uncapped, Queensland Reds, 19)*
Matt To’omua (46 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29)
Nic White (26 Tests, Rugby Australia, 29)*
Rugby.com.au
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