Four matches and four defeats. Since his appointment at the head of the Wallabies, the former coach of the XV of England, Eddie Jones, has still not won. And the sanctions fell. This Thursday, he unveiled the 33 elected for the World Cup in France (from September 8 to October 28). With two very noticeable absences: those of Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper.
The third-row, 125 caps for Australia since 2012, and regular captain, was named co-captain of the Wallabies with James Slipper ahead of the recent Rugby Championship. Injured after the first match, he therefore disappears from the squad.
Ditto for Quade Cooper, 35 years old and 80 selections. The whimsical opener was however recovered from his Achilles rupture to return to the team. He won’t go to France either. Eddie Jones preferred Carter Gordon, who honored his first – mixed – selections last month. He will be accompanied for number 10 by another novice, Ben Donaldson, two selections.
Eddie Jones justified these choices by his desire to rely on a new generation. “I supported the young guys because they deserved it. It’s that simple. I didn’t give them the selection, they took it down. It’s exciting for me to go to work every day with these guys who are just getting better and learning. Three uncapped players are in the squad of 33: scrum-half Max Jorgensen, wing-back Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and prop Blake Schoupp.
Another surprise was the appointment of second-line Stade Rochelais Will Skelton as captain. He will be assisted in this task by scrum half Tate McDermott, promoted to vice-captain. Another resident of the Top 14 is part of this list, a second-line also, the Toulousain Richie Arnold.
Still as brave, the coach repeated his confidence in his team, which had fallen to 8th place in the world. “The experts have removed us from the list of contenders (for the world title). No one believes we can do it. But we believe in it,” he reiterated in the press release.
“We have made progress and our challenge is to keep making it, to get a little better every day in everything we do on and off the pitch. As I have already said since my arrival, we have the talent, but not yet the team. But we will achieve it and we will surprise more than one, “said the coach.
FORWARDSPillars: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp, Taniela Tupou, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr Hookers: David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Matt Faessler Second Lines: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Will Skelton (cap), Matt Philip Third Lines : Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Langi Gleeson
TROIS-QUARTSDemis de mêlée: Tate McDermott, Nic White, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa Demi d’ouverture: Carter Gordon Centres: Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Jordan PetaiaPolyvalents: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Marika Koroibete, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny
