Wallabies name RWC squad

2011 Rugby World Cup captain James Horwill has been dropped from the Wallabies 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in England next month.

The second rower now finds himself left at home with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika naming Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Rob Simmons and Will Skelton as his locks.

Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight who have links to Fiji have been named in the squad.

Samu Kerevi and Taqele Nayaravoro have been dropped but are still in the extended squad for their test match against USA on the 5th of next month.

The Wallabies squad will be captained by Stephen Moore in his third consecutive Rugby World Cup.

2003 Rugby World Cup finalist Matt Giteau and Wallabies Vice-Captain Adam Ashley-Cooper will join Moore in their third Rugby World Cup campaign.

Sharing the Vice-Captaincy role alongside Ashley-Cooper will be Michael Hooper.

Hooper will be one of 13 Rugby World Cup debutants for the Wallabies, including Israel Folau.

Five wingers have been named in their 31-man squad for the World Cup.

Toby Smith and Sean McMahon are the only players named in the squad who have not featured during the 2015 international season, with Cheika opting for a more balanced and versatile backrow and props group.

The Wallabies will play their opening match of Pool A against Fiji at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on the 24 of next month at 3.45am.

31 Man Wallabies Squad for Rugby World Cup 2015

Wallabies Forwards:

Hookers
Stephen Moore - C (96 Tests)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests)

Props
Greg Holmes (17 Tests)
Sekope Kepu (56 Tests)
Scott Sio (9 Tests)*
James Slipper (66 Tests)
Toby Smith (uncapped)*

Locks
Kane Douglas (15 Tests)*
Dean Mumm (36 Tests)
Rob Simmons (52 Tests)
Will Skelton (11 Tests)*

Backrow forwards
Scott Fardy (24 Tests)*
Michael Hooper   VC (45 Tests)*
Ben McCalman (40 Tests)
Sean McMahon (3 Tests)*
Wycliff Palu (55 Tests)
David Pocock (50 Tests)

Wallabies Backs:

Scrumhalves
Will Genia (59 Tests)
Nick Phipps (31 Tests)

Flyhalves
Quade Cooper (55 Tests)
Bernard Foley (17 Tests)*

Inside backs
Kurtley Beale (52 Tests)
Matt Giteau (95 Tests)
Matt Toomua (25 Tests)*
Tevita Kuridrani (24 Tests)*

Outside backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper - VC (108 Tests)
Israel Folau (33 Tests)*
Rob Horne (26 Tests)
Drew Mitchell (65 Tests)
Henry Speight (3 Tests)*
Joe Tomane (15 Tests)*

Source: www.rugby.com.au