Gordon returns for Wallabies Bledisloe squad

Jake Gordon is set to make his return to the Wallabies jersey as Joe Schmidt’s side looks to end a long Bledisloe Cup drought.



The Waratahs halfback comes into the squad for Nic White, who officially signed off on social media following his delayed post-Lions retirement.



White stayed on to cover the then-injured Gordon and played key roles in Australia's historic Ellis Park victory and a last-gasp Wallabies win in Townsville.



Schmidt has opted for a 34-man squad, with 19 forwards and 15 backs who will depart for Auckland on Sunday, just under a week ahead of their showdown with New Zealand at Eden Park.



Nick Frost and Len Ikitau both return after missing last week's loss to Argentina in Sydney.



The two-Test Bledisloe Cup series could also see two milestones reached, with Tate McDermott in line to bring up his 50th cap in gold.



James Slipper could also be set to enter esteemed company should he play at Eden Park, with the prop one match away from becoming the first Wallaby (and only third player of all time after Wales’ Alun-Wyn Jones and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock) to play in 150 Test matches for their country. 


James O’Connor has also been officially confirmed to return and has been named alongside Tom Lynagh and Tane Edmed as halves options, with Ben Donaldson missing out. 



The Wallabies will take on the All Blacks at 5.05pm next Saturday at Eden Park.


Forwards

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, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs

Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, 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

[Source: Rugby.com.au]