The Wallabies squad has landed back on home turf with a mixed bag from their recent clash in South Africa, and now, head coach Joe Schmidt is gearing up his team for the Rugby Championship skirmishes against Argentina. Despite a robust win in one of their two matches against the Springboks, the Wallabies face a reshuffled squad due to a substantial injury list and the notable absence of Will Skelton.
Skelton has returned to France to join La Rochelle as they kick off their Top 14 season, leaving a void in the Wallabies' lineup. Rugby Australia has been in talks about his availability for later matches, particularly against the All Blacks, but for now, his presence in the upcoming games against Los Pumas is off the table. Stepping in for Skelton is Queensland's Josh Canham, alongside other fresh faces like Pete Samu, who replaces the injured Langi Gleeson.
Adding to the team's strength, Allan Alaalatoa makes a comeback from injury, and Tom Lynagh returns after missing out since the British and Irish Lions Test. Despite James O’Connor stepping in as Lynagh's cover, he remains due to Ben Donaldson's recent training setback. The squad also welcomes back winger Harry Potter, fresh from rehabilitating a hamstring injury.
"While it’s disappointing to lose some players in what was an attritional fortnight in South Africa, we’re pleased to be able to lean into the squad depth that we’re trying to create and welcome back some familiar faces to the group," Schmidt remarked.
Argentina's recent victories over the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand mean they are in formidable shape, posing a significant challenge for Schmidt’s team in the upcoming matches in Townsville.
Despite Skelton's absence, the Wallabies' roster is brimming with talent ready to step up. Players like Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have shown remarkable form, and with Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, and possibly Tom Hooper in the mix, the team has robust options to fill the gaps.
The full squad list for the Wallabies includes:
Forwards (20): Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs (16): Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White
Injury list: Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, Ben Donaldson, Matt Faessler, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Luke Reimer, Tom Wright, Liam Wright
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The Wallabies squad has landed back on home turf with a mixed bag from their recent clash in South Africa, and now, head coach Joe Schmidt is gearing up his team for the Rugby Championship skirmishes against Argentina. Despite a robust win in one of their two matches against the Springboks, the Wallabies face a reshuffled squad due to a substantial injury list and the notable absence of Will Skelton.
Skelton has returned to France to join La Rochelle as they kick off their Top 14 season, leaving a void in the Wallabies' lineup. Rugby Australia has been in talks about his availability for later matches, particularly against the All Blacks, but for now, his presence in the upcoming games against Los Pumas is off the table. Stepping in for Skelton is Queensland's Josh Canham, alongside other fresh faces like Pete Samu, who replaces the injured Langi Gleeson.
Adding to the team's strength, Allan Alaalatoa makes a comeback from injury, and Tom Lynagh returns after missing out since the British and Irish Lions Test. Despite James O’Connor stepping in as Lynagh's cover, he remains due to Ben Donaldson's recent training setback. The squad also welcomes back winger Harry Potter, fresh from rehabilitating a hamstring injury.
"While it’s disappointing to lose some players in what was an attritional fortnight in South Africa, we’re pleased to be able to lean into the squad depth that we’re trying to create and welcome back some familiar faces to the group," Schmidt remarked.
Argentina's recent victories over the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand mean they are in formidable shape, posing a significant challenge for Schmidt’s team in the upcoming matches in Townsville.
Despite Skelton's absence, the Wallabies' roster is brimming with talent ready to step up. Players like Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have shown remarkable form, and with Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, and possibly Tom Hooper in the mix, the team has robust options to fill the gaps.
The full squad list for the Wallabies includes:
Forwards (20): Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs (16): Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White
Injury list: Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, Ben Donaldson, Matt Faessler, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Luke Reimer, Tom Wright, Liam Wright