mens
international
Ex Australia U20 captain Toby Macpherson has been named in the Wallabies squad for the first time, selected as one of two uncapped players in the 34-man pool for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series against All black people.
Macpherson comes after the breakthrough Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the ACT Brumbies, and the lock utility captained the side during the three-round Super Rugby AUS regular season.
The 22-year-old has been called up to the Wallabies squad as a replacement for Tom Hooper, who has returned to Exeter Chiefs. Taniela Tupou is also unavailable for selection due to club commitments with French Racing 92.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is another uncapped prospect, with the playmaker ready for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final this weekend. ‘HMP’ was named in the Springboks Test squad but was not selected in the 23rd match.
Massimo de Lutiis and Nick Frost are among the other big-name returnees, with coach Les Kiss going with 19 forwards and 15 backs. The Wallabies will rally Auckland this weekend, before facing the All Blacks at Eden Park on October 10.
“It is a pleasure to keep the core of our team together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand,” said Kiss.
“They are a motivated group of players who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a big challenge that will require us to be at our best.”
Wallabies squad for Bledisloe Cup Series
Forwards (19)
Allan Alaalato (#896, 94)
Angus Bell (#940, 58)
Josh Canham (#987, 8)
Nick Champion de Crespigny (#99, 5)
Massimo De Lutiis (#1000, 3)
Isaac Kailea (#975, 9)
Toby Macpherson (unlimited, 0)
Fraser McReight (#937, 47)
Josh Nasser (#979, 16)
Zane Nongorr (#966, 20)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (#918, 31)
Billy Pollard (#958, 25)
Aidan Ross (#994, 7)
Lukhan Salakaia-Lotto (#914, 48)
Lachlan Shaw (#996, 5)
Carlo Tizzano (#982, 17)
Rob Valitini (#929, 69)
Jeremy Williams (#973, 33)
Harry Wilson (c) (#933, 43)
Back (15)
Filip Daugunu (#931, 24)
Ben Donaldson (#962, 26)
Isaac Henry (#999, 4)
Len Ikitau (#944, 55)
Max Jorgensen (#984, 28)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, 13)
Tate McDermott (#936, 56)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (unlimited, 0)
Declan Meredith (#997, 3)
Hunter Paisami (#932, 39)
Jordan Petaiah (#930, 31)
Harry Potter (#989, 16)
Joseph-August Sualii (#988, 25)
Kalani Thomas (#995, 2)
Tom Wright (#939, 51)
Injury cover
Nick Frost (#953, 38)
