Olympic Sprinter Selected for Wallabies as Veterans Drop Out: Schmidt Reveals Strategy Ahead of Major Lions Series

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has chosen to retain his faith in a group of up-and-coming playmakers, opting not to include seasoned veterans James O’Connor, Bernard Foley, and Kurtley Beale in his initial squad for 2025.

In a further shake-up, experienced forwards Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds) and Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Force) have both been sidelined, having struggled with injuries during their Super Rugby seasons. However, Brumbies winger Corey Toole and Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny have been rewarded with selections as uncapped players in a 36-man squad set to prepare for the Test match against Fiji in Newcastle on 6 July.

As anticipated, Taniela Tupou has made the team despite a less-than-substantial performance from the Waratahs player this season, who himself doubted his selection merits.

Schmidt refrained from naming a captain and will address the media in Sydney at 2pm AEST, alongside Allan Alaalatoa, Jake Gordon, Max Jorgensen, and Will Skelton.

In a significant return, injury-afflicted NSW hooker David Porecki makes his comeback to the squad for the first time since leading Australia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, Will Skelton stands out as the only player based overseas.

This leaves no place for Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi, who was seen training in Brisbane this week.

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Schmidt is due to announce his squad for the match against the British and Irish Lions on 11 July, so the opportunity is still open for those players left out this time.

Darcy Swain from the Force has made a return, while veteran Nic White has outperformed Brumbies star Ryan Lonergan for the third halfback position.

“Selection is always a competitive process, with some players feeling thrilled and others left disappointed,” Schmidt commented.

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“Coaches engage in a robust and constructive debate over selections, and we believe we have chosen a squad that will function effectively and bond well together.”

“There’s a blend of continuity from last year, along with several new or returning players who have earned their spots through impressive performances in Super Rugby Pacific.”

“Our immediate focus is on Fiji, and we need to be ready to hit the ground running since we haven’t trained together since early January.”

The squad will assemble on Sunday, but without the five Force players who will remain in Perth to prepare for their clash with the Lions on 28 June.

De Crespigny, Swain, White, Dylan Pietsch, and Tom Robertson will be in Perth, while Lonergan, Tane Edmed, David Feliuai, Darby Lancaster, Isaac Kailea, Matt Philip, and Rory Scott will join the Wallabies training session.

The tough and adaptable De Crespigny, aged 28, started his professional journey in France with Castres before making his return to Australian Rugby this year.

Toole, 25, is regarded as one of the fastest athletes in world rugby and has diligently enhanced his defensive skills.

He also represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, and Liam Wright were excluded from consideration due to injuries.

The Lions are set to face Argentina for their opening match on Saturday (AEST) before heading to Perth.

WALLABIES SQUAD

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright