7 players of Fijian descent have been selected into the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup squad while veteran flyhalf Quade Cooper and Captain Michael Hooper have been dropped from the squad as head coach Eddie Jones revealed his squad last night.
Fijian wingers Suliasi Vunivalu, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Marika Koroibete, halfback Issac Fines-Leleiwasa, centre Samu Kerevi, flanker Langi Gleeson along with Brumbies backrower Rob Valetini have made the cut for the Wallabies' 33-member squad.
In what was an interesting selection by Jones, the exclusion of veteran fly-half Cooper has left a lot of questions being asked if his experience will be missed in this World Cup.
Jones has opted to have only one fly-half in his squad having young Carter Gordon manning the position.
The dropping of Captain Hooper was understandable after the veteran backrower suffered an injury during the Rugby Championship, but the exclusion of Cooper will leave a huge gap to fill in terms of experience by Gordon and Ben Donaldson who was named as a utility player and can cover for the flyhalf position as well.
The Wallabies will be captained by France based lock Will Skelton.
Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad:
Props: Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou
Hookers: Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Jordan Uelese,
Locks: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Will Skelton ©,
Loose forwards: Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini
Scumhalves: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tate McDermott (vc), Nic White
Flyhalf: Carter Gordon
Centres: Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia
Outside backs: Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu
Utility: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny
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