New faces: Sefa Naivalu and Tolu Latu in Wallabies squad for South Africa and Argentina clashes
Forward David Pocock, wing Drew Mitchell and back-rower Ben McCalman all miss out for Australia, who have won two games in a row after a poor start to their Rugby Championship campaign
Winger Sefa Naivalu and hooker Tolu Latu were on Thursday called into Australia’s squad for their Rugby Championship clashes against South Africa and Argentina next month.
Fiji-born Naivalu has been involved in several training camps this year and finally became eligible to represent his adopted country this week after fulfilling the three-year residency requirement.
The impressive recent form of the NSW Waratahs’ Latu allowed him to force his way into the 30-man squad as cover for veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau, who is being rested to overcome a forearm injury.
Experienced wing Drew Mitchell and backrower Ben McCalman have both been left out due to a lack of recent match fitness as they return from injury.
And there is no star forward David Pocock, who broke his hand in Australia’s 36-20 win over Argentina last weekend in Perth and has been ruled out of both matches.
Team officials said Pocock still has a chance to play for the Wallabies in the third Bledisloe test against New Zealand in Auckland on October 22.