Australia: Joe Schmidt’s first squad includes All Black and Wallaby’s son: Planet Rugby

Joe Schmidt has announced his first squad as Wallabies head coach ahead of the July tests against Wales and Georgia.

It includes 12 players without international experience, with Tom Lynagh, son of the great Michael, being the headliner after a strong season for the Reds.

Former All Black Alex Hodgman, who has moved to Australia, was also selected for the team after completing his waiting period.

Hodgman played four international matches for New Zealand, but is eligible for the Wallabies because his father was born in Melbourne.

Experienced playmaker returns

Meanwhile, experienced Kurtley Beale has been recalled, having impressed since his return to rugby with the Western Force.

“He is in the squad and if you are in the squad, at some point during the three-week period you have the chance to put on your football boots in the 23-man team,” Schmidt told reporters.

“Kurtley played well. The feedback from the powers that be about his influence was really positive.”

Schmidt decided against drafting players from overseas; he only considered players playing in Australia, and players who signed overseas were also excluded.

These include rugby league players Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase, as well as Jordan Uelese and Izack Rodda, who will play in France next season.

Interestingly, Jordan Petaia is not in the squad, although there are rumors that he will follow in the footsteps of Louis Rees-Zammit and give up the sport in favor of American football.

Petaia was not on Rugby Australia’s injured list, which also includes Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Lachlan Lonergan.

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Shocking omission

The loss of Tim Ryan was the biggest surprise for the head coach given his excellent form with the Wallabies that he was even available.

“I think everyone was tempted to select Tim Ryan. And I had a great conversation with him about the selection and his willingness to be selected,” Schmidt explained.

“You have to be a little bit careful not to be seduced by the enthusiasm of a young player who is playing really well. And then you also have to be careful about his readiness for that level and the players he will be playing against.

“We’ll be happy to pursue him and Tim might be involved at some point in the future. But Darby is very, very fast. He’s a very good defender after the tackle and applies a lot of pressure.”

“And I just think it’s a great opportunity for him to learn some of his craft in a Wallabies environment.”

Joe Schmidt’s 38-man squad for the July Tests

Forward Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Back: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright

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