Palu, Leali'ifano miss Wallabies squad

Wycliff Palu and Christian Leali'ifano were the two notable omissions from the 31-man Wallabies squad announced on Friday ahead of their Rugby Championship opener.

No.8 Palu and inside centre Leali'ifano were among nine players left out from the initial 40-man training squad named by Australia coach Michael Cheika.

Others to miss out were Dave Dennis, James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Samu Kerevi, Toby Smith, Henry Speight and Nic White.

"There were obviously some really tough calls to make," Cheika said.

"The players who have not been named in this 31-man squad will still remain part of the group and will continue to contribute.

"We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season," he added.

"I have had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment. It's given me great confidence knowing we're establishing some depth in key positions."

The squad, captained by hooker Stephen Moore, contained two non-capped players -- ACT Brumbies lock Rory Arnold and NSW Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro.

France-based Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell also kept their places in the final squad.

The Wallabies play South Africa in the opening round of The Rugby Championship in Brisbane on July 18.

Australia squad:

Rory Arnold, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Stephen Moore, Drew Mitchell, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Dean Mumm, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane.
Source: AFP