Australia call up Nathan Charles, Sam Carter, Luke Jones and Will Skelton
Thursday 22 May 2014 05:45, UK
Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has called up four uncapped players to his 32-man squad for next month's Test series against France.
Nathan Charles, Sam Carter, Luke Jones and Will Skelton are in line to win their first caps for the Wallabies in the three-Test series.
McKenzie has also handed recalls to Pek Cowan, Scott Higginbotham and Matt Hodgson, while Henry Speight – who is qualifies to play for Australia in September – Tom English, Paddy Ryan and Cadeyrn Neville will train alongside the squad.
"It's pleasing to see the quality and depth we have coming through the Australian Rugby ranks at the moment and I'm confident the squad we've chosen can deliver the outcomes we are looking for throughout the June series," said McKenzie.
"We're beginning to create a strong and competitive selection environment, which unfortunately means that some quality players will miss out.
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Challenge
"The challenge for this group now is to build on our four most recent wins on the Spring Tour and ensure we continue to develop a winning culture.
"The last time an Australian team won five straight games was in 2008. That's a six-year hoodoo we need to break and it will be our immediate short-term team goal.
"We're also looking for players to contribute as much to the cultural piece off the field as they do with their performance on it.
"We don't hide from the fact that we want to have the best Rugby program possible and to do that you need to have not just the best players but the best people.
"We are in the business of inspiration. Winning is not enough and it's important that our journey captures the hearts and minds of the Australian public along the way.
"That's the responsibility of each individual in the squad and we're really looking forward to the opportunity to positively influence the Rugby landscape in Australia in June and throughout the rest of the year."
Australia - Forwards: Palu, McCalman, Higginbotham, Hooper, Hodgson, Fardy, Horwill, Simmons, Skelton, Jones, Carter, Alexander, Kepu, Slipper, Sio, Cowan, Moore, Polota-Nau, Charles.
Backs: Folau, Cummins, Ashley-Cooper, McCabe, Horne, Kuridrani, Leali'ifano, Toomua, Beale, Foley, Genia, White, Phipps.
