Australia Training squad for 2013

[PeterM]

http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-unio...training-squad

Rugby league convert Israel Folau has been left out of Australia's 49-man training squad for the 2013 season, which will see the Wallabies face the Lions.

Folau was a league sensation, becoming the youngest man to play for both Queensland and Australia, but he made a surprise code switch to Australian Rules Football in 2011.

Last month he made another code switch, to union with NSW Waratahs, and he was widely expected to be part of the squad.

Western Force back-row star Hugh McMeniman is back in the squad after a four-year absence.

Almost all of the 42 players used in Tests in 2012 are included, the exceptions being Queensland forward Radike Samo and Western Force half-back Brett Sheehan, and Brumbies captain Ben Mowen and Waratahs winger Lachie Turner were both surprise omissions.

There are seven uncapped players in the squad: Melbourne Rebels centre Mitch Inman, Reds flanker Jake Schatz, utility back Ben Lucas, Rebels locks Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neville, and Brumbies half-backs Nic White and Christian Lealiifano.

A Wallabies spokesman played down the significance of the prospective squad.

"It doesn't guarantee them anything," he said. "If you're not here it doesn't mean you're not a Wallaby this year - it comes down to what you do on the field.

"There's nothing to stop Israel Folau going out there and playing the house down to make the team."

Queensland Reds (16): Saia Faingaa, James Hanson, James Slipper, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Will Genia, Ben Lucas, Quade Cooper, Ben Tapaui, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Digby Ioane, Luke Morahan.

Waratahs (13): Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Berrick Barnes, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell.

Brumbies (8): Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Dan Palmer, David Pocock, Nic White, Christian Lealiifano, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane.

Melbourne Rebels (8): Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Scott Higginbotham, Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Mitch Inman, Cooper Vuna.

Western Force (4): Salesi Ma'afu, Hugh McMeniman, Ben McCalman, Nick Cummins

[maelkann]

Is anyone honestly surprised the guy who hasn't run out for a game yet isn't selected?

[shasta]

Nope. Pretty pissed that Brown Dog and Hodgo don't rate the top 50. But not surprised.

[Stone Cold]

More annoyed that Nathan Charles didn't get a look in.

[Happy]

i predict a reversal of numbers after 10 rounds of super rugby

[shasta]

Hopefully with Kyle Godwin pressing for 10.

[Tazzmania]

Agree Nathan Charles should be there, and Pek Cowan also unlucky to mss out.

After my initial fury, I realised that this year it looks like we may fly below the radar and surprise a few, nothing wrong with that!

[sittingbison]

the further the Force are away from the debacle and distraction of the Wobblies the better.

I think its a real shame 3M is involved after playing ZERO games of S15 for four years. FFS let the guy work his way back into contention with a solid string of games.

No surprise Hodgo didnt get a look in its same with Mowen. Actually surprised McCalman did.

[palitu]

not surprised that sheeno didn't. He has his foot in a cast. could always get a call up

[Davo]

Just saw on foxsports news that robbie is planning to have a extended training camp before the lions tour. Tahs and Reds non to pleased
Posted via Mobile Device

[travelling_gerry]

The Australian Rugby Union is facing a backlash from traditional states Queensland and NSW over plans to quarantine Wallabies players three weeks before the British and Irish Lions Test series.


The Reds are desperate to have stars Will Genia, Quade Cooper, James Horwill and Digby Ioane available in a full-strength side to attract a sell-out crowd of 52,000 on June 8 and take a big scalp.

Likewise, New South Wales Waratahs could be stripped of more than half their starting team for what is likely to be a crucial match against Western Force in Perth on June 9.


Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wa...#ixzz2I8xTmhRT


Thanks Robbie!!

[PeterM]

Robbie Deans should be given his marching orders right here and now on the back of this decision we the rugby public of Australia deserve to see the best available talent week in and week out!

[Ecky]

Did anyone see Drew Mitchell's new hairstyle on FoxSports?

Good lord.....

[The InnFORCEr]

It's not a hair do.......it's a hair don't

[James]

If McKenzie and Cheika want to whinge about quarantined players being unfair perhaps they can give up the weekend tour matches and play on a Wednesday like we have to. No? Ok then STFU.