Schmidt recalls Skelton, picks 2 uncapped players for Wallabies squad to face Fiji
SYDNEY (AP) — Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has picked uncapped Corey Toole and Nick Champion de Crespigny, recalled giant lock Will Skelton and given veteran prop James Slipper a chance to push for another Lions series in a 36-man Australia squad selected for next month's test against Fiji.
The Australians will play Fiji on July 6 at Newcastle, north of Sydney, in preparation for a three-test series against the British and Irish Lions, which starts July 19 in Brisbane.
Schmidt unveiled the squad on Thursday, returning hooker David Porecki for his first Wallabies squad since the failed 2023 World Cup campaign, which included a group-stage loss to the Fijians.
Western Force backrower Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Toole were the only uncapped players in the squad, earning selection through strong form in Super Rugby Pacific.
France-based Skelton was the only overseas-based player picked in the preliminary squad.
'Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,' Schmidt said. 'As coaches there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.
'This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.'
James O'Connor, who has performed well for the Crusaders this year, and Kurtley Beale missed selection, seemingly leaving Slipper as the only active player from the 2013 Wallabies squad still in contention to face the British and Irish Lions again.
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Australia squad:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Matt Faessler, 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.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
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