World Rugby

Surprise Omissions As Eddie Jones Names His First Wallabies Squad

Surprise Omissions As Eddie Jones Names His First Wallabies Squad

Australia coach Eddie Jones announced a 33-man squad that will go into a three-day camp later this month.

Apr 5, 2023
Surprise Omissions As Eddie Jones Names His First Wallabies Squad

Eddie Jones has caught Formula 1 fever, likening his first Wallabies training squad to the motor sport preseason.

While the cars raced around the circuit in Melbourne on Sunday, Jones dished up his own version of thrills and spills in a 33-man squad, which will go into a three-day camp later this month.

The World Cup coach named six uncapped players, including 18-year-old Waratahs outside back Max Jorgensen, Melbourne playmaker Carter Gordon and Reds center Josh Flook.

Brumbies prop Blake Schoupp and Rebels backrower Brad Wilkin also find themselves in the national set up for the first time.

League convert Suliasi Vunivalu was included, despite the winger’s average form for Queensland.

Among regulars to miss selection were Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon, with uncapped Ryan Lonergan preferred, along with fellow Brumbies No. 9 Nic White.

ACT playmaker Noah Lolesio was also a surprise omission, as was Queensland playmaker James O’Connor, while his Reds teammate Tom Lynagh wasn’t considered, due to injury.

Taking over from dumped coach Dave Rennie, Jones said he wanted to see players make the most of the fresh start.

“Every preseason testing in Formula One is a fresh start,” Jones said. “New ideas, new cars, new drivers, new support staff. It’s the same for us. This is a new squad, with new standards and new expectations for a new challenge. 

“I hope the players who have this first chance understand the privilege, have their tires pumped up and they’re ready to go.”

Jones said he was intent on building a winning mindset, disappointed with Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific teams, apart from the Brumbies.

“The players selected for this first camp, they’ve delivered on work rate, effort and intent,” Jones said. “What they haven’t delivered on in Super Rugby is winning, particularly against New Zealand teams.

“Competitive doesn’t cut it. We will build a winner’s mindset in the Wallabies players, and we will win games.

“We have the talent in Australia but not the team. This first camp, and this first squad, is the first step to building a winning team.”

He underlined that there likely would be changes before his World Cup squad was finalized.

“If you are in it, the challenge is to stay in it,” Jones said. “If you are not in it, how do you get in it? Players select themselves.”

Overseas-based players Richard Arnold, Tom Banks, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi and Will Skelton have been earmarked to take part in online sessions with the camp squad.

Wallabies camp squad: Allan AlaalatoaBen DonaldsonPone Fa’amausiliJosh FlookLalakai FoketiNick FrostLangi GleesonCarter GordonNed HaniganReece HodgeMichael HooperJed HollowayLen Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew KellawayLachlan LonerganRyan Lonergan, F raser McReight, Mark NawaqanitawaseCadeyrn NevilleJordan PetaiaDavid PoreckiTom RobertsonPete Samu, Blake Schoupp, James SlipperDarcy SwainJordan UeleseRob ValetiniSuliasi VunivaluNic WhiteBrad Wilkin, Tom Wright.