Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper have been axed, and James Slipper replaced as captain, as head coach Eddie Jones named the Australia squad for the World Cup.
Not many had predicted the towering Will Skelton to take over the leadership, but Jones has shown massive faith in the La Rochelle product after naming him skipper of a 33-player contingent for the showpiece in France.
It will make Skelton the fifth captain in 2023, with Hooper (calf) and Allan Alaalatoa (knee) ruled out. Skelton also becomes the first overseas-based player to captain the Wallabies and the first Pacific Islander-heritage captain at the Rugby World Cup.
Jones also named three uncapped players for the September-October tournament in France, including scrumhalf Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 18-year-old back Max Jorgensen, and prop Blake Schoupp.
It is the most inexperienced Wallabies World Cup squad in the professional era, with only eight of them having played the showpiece tournament before.
“We just feel we need someone who can bring the squad together maybe a little bit tighter he’s got all those attributes,” Jones told Stan Sport on Skelton’s appointment.
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“He’s a really good team man. And with Tate [McDermott] there and obviously guys like James Slipper and Nick White supporting them, we feel that’s the best way to take the leadership with the team forward.
“He’s a guy that’s used to winning. A lot of this squad aren’t used to winning and he brings that to the table.”
McDermott, who captained the Wallabies against the All Blacks last week, will serve as vice-captain.
Slipper, who was named co-captain at the start of the year, has been included as he continues to battle the impressive Angus Bell for a starting XV.
Flanker Hooper, who spent two months out of the game on a mental health break last year, is Australia’s most-capped skipper, having led the side in 69 of his 125 Tests.
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He picked up a calf injury earlier this year and missed their last three Tests, but was reportedly eager to play and aiming to be ready for their World Cup opener against Georgia on 9 September.
Instead, Jones kept faith with youngsters Fraser McReight and Tom Hooper, who stepped up in his absence.
Hooper’s omission likely draws the curtain on his international career. He has previously said he would either retire after the World Cup, move overseas or bid to make the Australia sevens team for the 2024 Olympics.
It could be a similar fate for Cooper, who was widely expected to be on the plane. In his absence, Australia have just one recognised flyhalf in Carter Gordon, who has only played four Tests.
Regular star centre Len Ikitau was another expected to make the cut despite battling a shoulder injury.
“I’ve backed the young blokes because they earned it,” said Jones. “Simple as that. I haven’t handed it to them. They grabbed it. It’s exciting for me to go to work each day with these guys who are just busting to improve, to learn and to get better.”
Full Australia squad:
Forwards
Props: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp, Taniela Tupou, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr.
Hookers: David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Matt Faessler.
Locks: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Will Skelton (c), Matt Philip.
Back row: Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Langi Gleeson.
Backs
Scrumhalves: Tate McDermott, Nic White, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
Flyhalf: Carter Gordon.
Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Marika Koroibete, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen.
Centres: Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Jordan Petaia.
Utility backs: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny.
Photo: EPA/Kim Ludbrook/BackpagePix