The Fiji-born winger Henry Speight has been named in the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, despite not being available for the first half of the competition.
Wallabies celebrate. International Rugby Union, Australia v France, Sydney, Australia. .Saturday 21 June 2014 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Brumbies winger Henry Speight takes on Liam Messam.Super Rugby union qualifying finals match, Brumbies v Chiefs, Canberra, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The ACT Brumbies flyer will miss the opening half of Australia's campaign, including the first two Bledisloe Cup matches, as he's not eligible to play for the Wallabies until September 11th.
When he finally does take the field it will end a frustrating 12-month wait to play Test rugby.
Speight is one of two specialist wingers in the 32-man squad.
In a sign of how much coach Ewen McKenzie values Speight's speed and tackle-busting ability, the the 26-year-old has been included while injured star halfback Will Genia has been left out.
Genia may well be available to return from ankle surgery in the September 6th clash against South Africa in Perth.
Genia's Queensland Reds halves partner Quade Cooper is also out of the squad, continuing his rehabilitation from hip and shoulder operations.
There are no surprises in McKenzie's selections, captained by Michael Hooper and including 25 players who tasted action in the 3-0 series clean sweep of France in June.
Cult hero Nick Cummins is the only notable absentee, effectively replaced by Speight, due to his decision to sign a lucrative deal to play in Japan later this year.
The Melbourne Rebels lock Luke Jones, who debuted in the second Test against Les Bleus, has also been dropped following impressive starting debuts by Sam Carter and Will Skelton.
The Brumbies duo of Ben Alexander and Joe Tomane have returned from injuries and are strongly in the mix to start in the Bledisloe opener at ANZ Stadium on August 16th when the All Blacks will strive for a world record 18 straight Test victories.
McKenzie says the familiarity of his squad, themselves on a seven-match streak, would be highly beneficial.
The Wallabies assemble on August 3rd for a week-long regional road trip across Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Penrith.
Wallabies:
Forwards - Ben Alexander, Pek Cowan, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Scott Sio, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Hanson, Nathan Charles, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper (capt), Matt Hodgson, Wycliff Palu, Ben McCalman.
Backs - Nic White, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale, Matt Toomua, Christian Leali'ifano, Tevita Kuridrani, Rob Horne, Joe Tomane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Henry Speight, Pat McCabe, Israel Folau.
