SYDNEY AFP: Veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper will play his fourth World Cup while uncapped teenager Jordan Petaia was a surprise pick to take part in his first in a 31-man Wallabies squad named Friday.
In a gamble, coach Michael Cheika opted for just two half-backs in Will Genia and Nic White, meaning Brumbies No.9 Joe Powell and the Waratahs’ Nick Phipps miss out.
Another notable absentee was veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, but flanker David Pocock, who hasn’t played for seven months after injuring his calf, was named, along with Bernard Foley and Tevita Kuridrani who were overlooked in recent games.
“We’ve become a really tight group and it was a very difficult process in picking only 31 players, but I know each player selected will travel to Japan with the full support of those team mates who won’t board the flight,” said Cheika.
“We have worked really hard at building each week and each game so far this season, and play a brand of rugby that Australia would be proud of and get every player contributing towards the outcome.”
“It’s also important that we select a squad that will handle the tournament play and our draw in particular at the Rugby World Cup, as well as maintain a strong competition for places in the team,” he added.