Injuries have forced Eddie Jones to make changes to his first Wallabies squad that is set to go on camp on the Gold Coast this week.
There are several casualties with Dave Porecki, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Swain, Ned Hanigan and Len Ikitau all out with concussions.
Meanwhile, Pete Samu and Langi Gleeson also miss out with ankle and calf injuries respectively.
First-time call-ups
The changes mean there are first-time call-ups for several stars including Rhys van Nek, Rory Scott, Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith.
Izaia Perese and Lachlan Swinton return to the Wallabies set-up with tireless back-row Harry Wilson named as a back-row replacement in the squad that is set to meet up this week.
Opportunity
Jones understands it is disappointing for some but also sees it as an opportunity for others ahead of the shortened Test season before the Rugby World Cup.
“While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp,” coach Jones said.
“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.”
The Wallabies’ first Test since their veteran coach returned to the helm is on July 8 against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Updated squad
Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Donaldson, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Fraser McReight, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Tom Robertson, Rory Scott, James Slipper, Ryan Smith, Lachlan Swinton, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Rhys van Nek, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Brad Wilkin, Harry Wilson (back-row replacement), Tom Wright
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