Wallabies Name Their Squad.
New caps, Morgan Turinui (NSW), Lote Tuqiri (NSW) and Scott Fava (ACT), have been included in the first Vodafone Wallabies squad of the 2003 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series
New caps, Morgan Turinui (NSW), Lote Tuqiri (NSW) and Scott Fava (ACT), have been included in the first Vodafone Wallabies squad of the 2003 Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series that opens with a game against Ireland in Perth on Saturday week.
Australian national coach Eddie Jones must plan for the series – that includes matches against Wales in Sydney and England in Melbourne – without nine internationals .
Missing from the squad that assembles in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday (May 28th) will be household names, Matthew Burke, Owen Finegan, Matt Giteau, Daniel Herbert, Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Ben Tune and Andrew Walker. However, Jones believes the absentees might help him unearth new talent ahead of the RWC.
” Yes we will be without some top notch players, guys with a lot of experience but we’ve got some exciting new players to consider and we’ll spend a week here in Coffs Harbour before heading to Perth. It’s a big year ahead and this is a great opportunity for these guys to make an early impression.
“We had a one day camp last week in Sydney and I have to say the attitude was fantastic. Everyone I’ve spoken to since choosing this squad has been extremely enthusiastic and I think the games we have in front of us will be of enormous benefit.
The Wallaby squad for the Bundaberg Rum Series, includes Chris Latham who has just been voted 2003 Super 12 Vodafone Player of the Series along with Joe Roff.
One of the surprise selections is that of the Brumbie flanker Scott Fava who is preferred to veteran Owen Finegan, a decision Jones explained that was taken primarily for fitness reasons.
“We are taking a longer-term view with Owen,” Jones said at the Sydney media conference.
“He’s only had three weeks of actual running before he played in the latter stages of the Super 12. He was going to come back through the Brumby Runners and as you are aware he was rushed into their (Brumbies) 22. We feel for Owen to play Test rugby he needs a very intensive fitness program.
“At this stage we are looking at a three-week fitness program for Owen where he will come and train with us in Coffs Harbour, play for his club,
“I think the work he has done on the field has been very good, but he needs to get some base running in before he is going to be available to play Test rugby.”
2003 Vodafone Wallabies Squad. (listed alphabetically).
Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Scott Fava*, Elton Flatley, David Giffin, George Gregan c, Nathan Grey, Steve Kefu, Toutai Kefu, Chris Latham, David Lyons, Patricio Noriega, Glenn Panoho, Jeremy Paul, Joe Roff, Wendell Sailor, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Lote Tuqiri*, Morgan Turinui*, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Bill Young.
(* denotes uncapped).