Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has backed Australian-based talent to turn around the side’s fortunes after unveiling his first team as coach.
13 players were named without a cap, with many missing last year’s World Cup campaign, led by veteran Kurtley Beale.
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Schmidt has in the past ruled out overseas selection for the July series and has opted against selecting players who travel abroad.
„I would say that we are interested in investing in the guys who are investing here in the future,” he told reporters.
„…It has a long-term benefit, and in the short-term, we like to think there’s going to be some money anyway. We like some of our picks and some of those who don’t. There’s T.”
„There was a real competition for a lot of those positions, whether it was forwards or backs. There might be some more movement between now and the Rugby Championship, I don’t think we’ve drawn a line. Anyone.
„We’ve had discussions with a lot of them, but they’re going down a path, and that’s the path they’ve chosen, and it’s a path we’ve decided to take. It’s not excluding people. It’s about including those people that we’re very keen to invest in Australian rugby in this immediate future.”
In his squad, Schmidt has picked a side with hungry players willing to go the distance for their side.
Guys like Hamish Stewart, David Feliuai and Ryan Smith have squeezed their way into earning their first Wallabies selection the hard way.
Meanwhile, the likes of Isaac Kylia, Darby Lancaster and Tom Linnock represent the future towards the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025 and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
„I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on Sunday night and getting out on the turf on Monday,” Schmidt said.
„I’ve been waiting for five months of rugby training. So, yeah, I’m sure you’re tired of talking about it, you want to see something and I hope you’re looking forward to seeing something good.
„All I can say to the supporters is that it won’t be for lack of effort. Some of these boys have already shown their ability or ability to try and that’s one of the main things we look for in our selection. .”
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”