Former rugby league star Suliasi Vunivalu was among six uncapped players in an expanded Australia squad named Sunday for a three-Test series against England as the Wallabies look to snap a long losing streak against Eddie Jones's men.
NSW Waratahs forwards Jed Holloway and David Porecki were handed an opportunity, along with ACT Brumbies locks Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville.
Melbourne Rebels prop Pone Fa'amausili and flying wing Vunivalu, who switched to the Queensland Reds in 2019 after successful league career with Melbourne Storm, also got the nod.
The squad is otherwise settled with 118-Test veteran Michael Hooper again leading as captain, backed up by fellow centurion James Slipper.
Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete -- all based in Japan -- had already been announced as Australia's overseas selections.
"The core of this squad is a group who have performed strongly for us over the last two seasons, while strong form in Super Rugby Pacific has been rewarded with a handful of new faces," coach Dave Rennie said.
"The past two years have allowed us to build strong foundations as a group but there's no doubt that we have a lot more in us.
"We're looking forward to working hard and preparing as a group to put in performances that make our supporters proud against England next month."
The Wallabies play three Tests against England starting in Perth on July 2 before moving to Brisbane a week later then Sydney on July 16.
The 35-strong squad is dominated by players from the ACT Brumbies, who agonisingly lost their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final to the Auckland Blues 20-19 on Saturday evening.
They boast 15 players followed by the Reds (seven), Waratahs (six), Melbourne Rebels (four) and three from Japanese-based clubs. No
Read more on news24.com
news24.com
