Rebels Lock Ready for Wallabies Recall to Face Wales

Melbourne Rebels lock Esei Ha’angana is poised for a Wallabies recall after being named in a 34-man squad for the international fixture against Wales on July 2 at Principality Stadium. Ha’angana, 26, has been in impressive form for the Rebels this Super Rugby Pacific season, starting all 12 games and proving to be a key figure in the team’s set piece and breakdowns. His consistent performances have caught the attention of Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. if selected, Ha’angana would earn his fifth Test cap for Australia. He made his Wallabies debut in 2020 against New Zealand and has since played against Argentina and South Africa. Rennie has opted for a blend of experience and emerging talent in his squad for the Wales Test. The team includes seasoned campaigners such as captain Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper, and Samu Kerevi, as well as uncapped players like Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney and Force halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa. The Wallabies will face a formidable Wales side that is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations campaign. Wales, led by captain Ken Owens, boasts a talented squad that includes the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, and Dan Biggar. Ha’angana will be eager to prove his worth to Rennie and earn a starting spot against Wales. The Rebels lock has shown his ability to dominate the lineout, make powerful tackles, and contribute to the team’s attacking game. The Wallabies will have a short preparation time before facing Wales, with the squad set to assemble in Cardiff on June 25. Rennie’s team will be looking to continue their progress and secure a positive result against a tough opponent.Melbourne Rebels lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is optimistic about his chances of being called up to the Wallabies squad for the upcoming July Tests, despite missing the back half of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to a foot injury.Melbourne Rebels lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is optimistic about his chances of being called up to the Wallabies squad for the upcoming July Tests, despite missing the back half of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to a foot injury. Salakaia-Loto, who has 30 Test caps for Australia, suffered a fractured foot in mid-April and underwent surgery to insert a pin. He had hoped to return to action this weekend if the Rebels had made the semi-finals, but their elimination by the Hurricanes has put those plans on hold. However, the 27-year-old remains confident he will be fit for Australia’s two-Test series against Wales and a one-off match against Georgia in July. “I haven’t heard from [Wallabies coach Joe] Schmidt, but my thing is just to get back healthy and playing, as I haven’t played in eight or nine weeks,” Salakaia-Loto told AAP. “I think if you ask anyone the question they would answer the same, that of course they’re good, but I don’t want to do the jersey any disservice. “Hopefully I can get some minutes into the legs, whether that be club rugby or whatever, I’m sure I will find a way to get some footy.” Salakaia-Loto has been a key player for the Rebels this season, forming a promising line-out combination with youngster Josh Canham and contributing with his work-rate and general presence around the field. Before joining the Rebels, Salakaia-Loto spent last year with English club Northampton, which he said helped him evolve as a player and person after nine seasons with Queensland. Salakaia-Loto is eager to add to his tally of Tests under Schmidt, who has replaced Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach. “Hopefully I can get some minutes into the legs, whether that be club rugby or whatever, I’m sure I will find a way to get some footy,” he said. “I haven’t heard from [Wallabies coach Joe] Schmidt, but my thing is just to get back healthy and playing, as I haven’t played in eight or nine weeks,” Salakaia-Loto told AAP. “I think if you ask anyone the question they would answer the same, that of course they’re good, but I don’t want to do the jersey any disservice. “Hopefully I can get some minutes into the legs, whether that be club rugby or whatever, I’m sure I will find a way to get some footy.”Rebels lock Darcy Swain is on standby to be recalled to the Wallabies squad for their three-Test series against Wales starting next month. Swain was a notable omission from coach Dave Rennie’s initial 35-man squad, with the selectors opting for Rory Arnold, Cadeyrn Neville, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Trevor Hosea as their second-row options. But with Arnold ruled out of the series with a calf injury, Swain is now set to join the squad in the coming days. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for the Rebels this season, and his recall is a reward for his consistent performances. Swain made his Wallabies debut against France in July last year, and he has since played four Tests for Australia. He is a physical and aggressive defender, and he is also a strong lineout option. Swain’s recall will give Rennie another option in the second row, and he will be hoping to make a significant contribution to the Wallabies’ campaign against Wales. The Wallabies will play Wales in three Tests, starting in Cardiff on July 2.