Wallabies name squad for Bledisloe Cup Tests

The Wallabies have named a 34-man squad for their two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand, with Hunter Paisami’s availability subject to a disciplinary hearing and Len Ikitau included despite an ankle concern.

Hunter Paisami awaits disciplinary hearing

Paisami’s availability remains subject to a SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee hearing after he was cited following his yellow card against South Africa in Perth. The incident involved high contact with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu late in Australia’s 42-38 victory.

Jock Campbell is on standby to join the squad if Paisami is unavailable, while versatile Queensland Reds back Filipo Daugunu has been recalled after recovering from a minor knee issue.

Ikitau has also been selected after leaving the Springboks victory with an ankle injury. The centre scored twice in the win and remains an important part of Les Kiss’s midfield options.

Toby Macpherson earns first Wallabies call-up

Brumbies forward Toby Macpherson has received his first senior Wallabies call-up. The 22-year-old, who can play lock or in the back row, replaces Tom Hooper after the Exeter forward returned to the United Kingdom.

The Bledisloe Tests fall outside World Rugby’s international window, with France-based prop Taniela Tupou also returning to his club. Massimo de Lutiis has been recalled as his replacement.

Wallabies face major Eden Park challenge

Australia face the All Blacks at Eden Park on October 10 before hosting the second Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 17.

The Wallabies enter the series unbeaten in five Tests under Kiss, while Australia have not beaten New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986. The All Blacks are also unbeaten against any Test opposition at the Auckland venue since 1994.

A defeat in Auckland would prevent Australia from winning the two-match series outright, meaning New Zealand would retain the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year.

Australia squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright