Winners+and+losers+of+Wallabies+squad+that+includes+former+All+Black+%3A+Planet+Rugby
Winners and Losers of Wallabies Squad that Includes Former All Black The announcement of the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Test series against England has sparked contrasting reactions, with both winners and losers emerging. Winners: * Samu Kerevi: The former All Black and Reds backrower has earned a recall to the Wallabies after a stellar Super Rugby Pacific season. His physicality, explosiveness, and offloading ability will be a valuable asset. * Jake Gordon: The Brumbies scrum-half has impressed with his consistent performances and will challenge Nic White for the starting role. His sharp passing and quick thinking will add depth to the Wallabies’ attack. * Michael Hooper: The former Wallabies captain has been selected despite battling injuries. His leadership, defensive prowess, and work rate will provide stability and inspiration to the squad. Losers: * Harry Wilson: The talented Waratahs flanker has missed out on selection due to injury. His absence is a blow to the Wallabies’ loose forward options. * Ian Prior: The Brumbies hooker has been overlooked in favor of Folau Fainga’a and David Porecki. Prior’s strong scrummaging and lineout work rate have gone unrecognized. * Ned Hanigan: The Reds flanker has also fallen short of selection, despite his impressive form at Super Rugby Pacific level. His physicality and versatility would have been valuable in the England series. * Reece Hodge: The Melbourne Rebels back has been dropped from the squad, leaving the Wallabies short on experience at fullback. His utility value and defensive abilities would have been beneficial. Other Notable Inclusions: * Folau Fainga’a: The Reds hooker has been recalled after recovering from injury. His power and mobility will provide the Wallabies with a different dimension. * Taniela Tupou: The Tonga-born prop has returned to the Wallabies fold after a long injury layoff. His sheer size and strength will be a major asset in the scrums. * Len Ikitau: The Brumbies center has been rewarded for his strong Six Nations performances for Australia A. His attacking flair and defensive solidity will add balance to the Wallabies’ midfield.Winners:Winners: * Kurtley Beale: Veteran star returns to the Wallabies after off-field issues. * Uncapped Players: 13 uncapped players called up, including Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Isaac Kailea, Ryan Smith, Jeremy Williams, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Tom Lynagh, Jose Nasser, and Alex Hodgman. * Harry Wilson, Noé Lolesio, and Tom Wright: Returning players praised for their performances. Losers: * Injured Players: Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Max Jorgensen, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, David Porecki, and Blake Schoup. * Corey Toole: Joined Australian 7s team ahead of Olympics. * Players Based Abroad: Will Skelton, Marika Koroibete, Richie Arnold, and Quade Cooper. * League Converts: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon, and Jordan Petaia. * Tim Ryan: Rookie sensations surprisingly omitted. * Seru Uru and Josh Canham: Strong seasons but unlucky not to be selected due to depth in second row.The Wallabies squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship has been announced, with a number of surprises and notable absentees. The biggest news is the inclusion of former All Blacks wing Frank Halai, who is eligible to play for Australia through his mother. Halai has not played for New Zealand since 2013, and his selection has been met with mixed reactions. Other notable inclusions include hooker Folau Fainga’a and prop James Slipper, who both missed the last Rugby Championship through injury. There is also a recall for uncapped hooker Lachlan Lonergan, who has been in impressive form for the Melbourne Rebels. The biggest omission from the squad is former captain Michael Hooper, who has been rested. There is also no place for lock Will Skelton, who has been struggling with injury. The Wallabies squad is as follows: Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, James Slipper, Pone Fa’amausili Hookers: Folau Fainga’a, Lachlan Lonergan, Dave Porecki Locks: Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Matt Philip Back row: Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Jack Dempsey Halves: Nic White, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge Centres: Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Irae Simone Wings: Filipo Daugunu, Frank Halai, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete Fullback: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale The Wallabies will begin their Rugby Championship campaign against New Zealand in Auckland on August 27.