Wednesday 17 September 2014 13:19, UK
Former Australia captain Will Genia has been recalled by the Wallabies for the final two matches of the Rugby Championship.
Genia has fully recovered from ankle surgery, proving his fitness playing for Brisbane City in Australia's National Rugby Championship.
Coach Ewen McKenzie has also handed Test recalls to front-rowers Benn Robinson and Saia Fainga'a, while vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper has been cleared to play after a neck injury.
And with 13 players currently sidelined, the return of the quartet – who have won 247 caps between them – is a welcome boost for McKenzie.
“It’s pleasing to be able to bring in some experienced guys for what will be an extremely challenging tour of South Africa and Argentina,” McKenzie said.
“We took a conservative approach with Adam’s injury in our most recent Test against Argentina, and we’re confident the additional week off will serve him well going into the next stage of our campaign.
“Collectively, we add almost 250 games of Test experience to our squad through the inclusion of Adam, Will, Benn and Saia. They’ve all had good exposure to our program this year, so we expect them to be able to contribute immediately when we get into camp.”
Stephen Moore (knee), Tatafu Polota-Nau (ankle), Nathan Charles (pectoral), Tolu Latu (arm), Heath Tessman (ankle), Scott Sio (ankle), Wycliff Palu (head), David Pocock (knee), Dave Dennis (knee), Quade Cooper (shoulder), Henry Speight (hamstring), Peter Betham (ankle) and Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder) are all ruled out with various injuries.
However 33-year-old Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea is vying for a first cap as one of three hookes in the squad, alongside Fainga'a and James Hanson.
Australia: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Joe Tomane, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Nic White, Will Genia. Ben McCalman, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper (capt), Matt Hodgson, Scott Fardy, Rob Simmons, Sam Carter, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, James Slipper, Pek Cowan, Benn Robinson, James Hanson, Saia Fainga'a, Josh Mann-Rae.
