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Eddie Jones forced to make seven changes for Wallabies camp

By Ben Smith
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has been forced to make a number of changes ahead of his first camp in charge of the national side as injuries hit.

Ned Hanigan and Dave Porecki of the Waratahs, Len Ikitau, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain of the Brumbies have all been ruled out after suffering concussions in their Super Rugby Pacific fixtures over the weekend.

Brumbies loose forward Pete Samu and Waratahs upstart No 8 Langi Gleeson are also unavailable, the former having picked up an ankle injury against the Fijian Drua and Gleeson yet to fully recover from a calf strain.

They will be replaced in the 33-man squad by Waratahs duo Lachlan Swinton and centre Izaia Perese, who starred with two tries against Force on Saturday night, while Brumbies pair Rhys Van Nek and Rory Scott have been named in the squad for the first time.

Queensland Reds Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith have also earned their first Wallabies call-ups, with Wallaby number 933 Harry Wilson named as a back row replacement.

The squad will fully assemble on the Gold Coast tomorrow for a three-day camp.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp.”

“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.”

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