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Tom Wright dropped as Eddie Jones confirms key changes to Wallabies squad
By Finn Morton
Coach Eddie Jones has confirmed some significant changes to the Wallabies’ squad ahead of their two-match Bledisloe Cup series with the All Blacks, including the omission of Tom Wright.
Wright started at fullback against both South Africa and Argentina, but has made way with some key players returning from injury – including Andrew Kellaway and Jordan Petaia.
Backrower Langi Gleeson and prop Taniela Tupou are also back in the selection mix ahead of the match against the All Blacks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this month.
“We’re very disappointed with the results during stage one of our campaign,” Jones said in a statement.
“We need to find more in stage two and Melbourne will be the ground where we will find our best.”
Along with Tom Wright, Jones has also swung the axe with backrower Pete Samu and utility back Reece Hodge also missing out on selection.
Hodge was named in the starting side to take on the Springboks earlier this month, while Samu played almost 50 minutes off the bench in Pretoria.
Hooker Matt Faessler, prop Blake Schoupp, scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan and ‘utility’ David Pietsch are the four uncapped players in the 34-man squad.
Co-captain Michael Hooper is the only player listed under the rehab group, with the flanker sustaining an injury in the leadup to the Test against Michael Cheika’s Pumas in Sydney.
Wallabies squad
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa
Angus Bell
Blake Schoupp
David Porecki
Fraser McReight
James Slipper (cc)
Jed Holloway
Jordan Uelese
Langi Gleeson
Matt Faessler
Matt Philip
Nick Frost
Pone Fa’amausili
Richie Arnold
Rob Leota
Rob Valetini
Taniela Tupou
Tom Hooper
Will Skelton
Backs
Andrew Kellaway
Carter Gordon
Izaia Perese
Jordan Petaia
Lalakai Foketi
Marika Koroibete
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Nic White
Quade Cooper
Ryan Lonergan
Samu Kerevi
Suliasi Vunivalu
Tate McDermott
Utility
Ben Donaldson
Dylan Pietsch
Rehab Group
Michael Hooper (cc)
Not considered due to injury
Izack Rodda
Len Ikitau
Max Jorgensen
Tom Robertson
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Earl
As good as any backrow on the planet.
Go to commentsWhile we were living in Belgium, French rugby was very easy to watch on tv and YouTube. Given the ghastly weather, riding indoors on a trainer and watching French rugby was a very passable experience. I became quite a fan.
Interestingly, last week in Buenos Aires I shared a table with a couple from Toulouse, who were at the Toulon game themselves, and were curious how much I knew about French club rugby. I explained the Brussels weather. They smiled and understood.
Now back in CA, biking again.
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