AUSTRALIA HEAD COACH Michael Cheika has named a 32-man squad for the upcoming Test series with Ireland with the former Leinster boss including five uncapped players.
Hookers Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Folau Fainga’a will look to make their Test debut alongside Caleb Timu, Jack Maddocks and the squad bolter, Ttom Banks.
Melbourne-born Pete Samu, who plays for the Canterbury Crusaders, was excluded from the squad this morning, but Cheika said the 26-year-old could be a late addition if he is released from his New Zealand Rugby contract.
With a slate of Super Rugby games scheduled for this week, Cheika was already limited in his preparation time with the players ahead of the first Test on 9 June.
However, matters have been complicated further by the Brumbies’ refusal to release David Pocock, Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio from Sunday’s game the Sunwolves.
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (captain), Sekope Kepu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tom Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Izack Rodda, Caleb Timu, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese.
Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Jack Maddocks, Sefanaia Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Curtis Rona.
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