Wallabies Coach Dave Rennie is looking for Reds duo James O'Connor and Suliasi Vunivalu to push their way into contention via Super Rugby as they begin preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Rennie has assembled a 44-player squad on the Gold Coast for the week, with the high-profile backs the major omissions.
Rennie says it is the advantage of a lot of injuries and they have used a lot of players last year and there’s more competition for places now which is really good.
The Wallabies coach added they have got a couple of guys who would normally be in Japan recovering from long term injuries so it’s nice to have Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi in the mix.
O'Connor was one of five flyhalves selected to start in 2022, however, found himself dropped from the squad altogether after a thumping defeat in Argentina.
An ankle injury ended his season early, with Rennie impressed with how the 32-year-old has applied himself to rehab.
As for Vunivalu, Rennie pointed to the importance of providing the repeat efforts that have helped the likes of Nark Nawaqanitawase break out at Test level.
Rennie says they need to see Vunivalu run fast, and also see him open up and repeat of speed efforts.
Rugby.com.au
