Genia, Ashley-Cooper return

Will Genia and Adam Ashley-Cooper have been selected in the Wallabies squad for their Rugby Championship tour of Argentina and South Africa.

Genia, a former Wallabies captain, has been recalled after missing the Australasian leg of the tournament through a combination of form and fitness. His performances suffered badly this season as the Queensland Reds finished 13th on the Super Rugby log. There was also a recall for experienced Waratahs prop Benn Robinson as the Wallabies count the cost of a gruelling season.

More than a dozen players weren't considered for selection, with Stephen Moore (knee), Tatafu Polota-Nau (ankle), Wycliff Palu (concussion) and Quade Cooper (shoulder) all missing out.

Adam Ashley-Cooper has recovered from a neck injury suffered in the victory over the Springboks and has been included in the touring party, as has Joe Tomane who returned to training this week.

In one final surprise, hulking lock Will Skelton has been cut from the squad with coach Ewen McKenzie citing a lack of match fitness as the reason for his exclusion.

Wallabies squad – Ben Alexander, Pek Cowan, Sekope Kepu, Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Saia Fainga'a, James Hanson, Josh Mann-Rea, Sam Carter, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Michael Hooper (c), Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Nic White, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, Joe Tomane.

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