Rodda among Wallabies squad recalls
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has recalled some familiar faces and added newcomer Nick Frost in a 42-man squad to prepare for Australia's Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship campaigns kicking off next month.
Heading the recalls is 2019 Rugby World Cup lock Izack Rodda, along with Western Force teammate and prop Tom Robertson who last played for the Wallabies in 2018.
A surprise addition is former Queensland Reds playmaker Duncan Paia'aua, who plays for French club Toulon and becomes the first player picked for the Wallabies under the amended Giteau law.
The 26-year-old appeared for the Wallabies against the Barbarians in an uncapped match in 2017.
Young Brumbies lock Frost is the only player selected for the first time in a Wallabies squad, with his club teammate Pete Samu rejoining the group after a successful return from injury via club rugby.
Experienced Wallabies Nic White and Scott Sio have overcome knee and hamstring injuries respectively to re-join, along with centre/winger Jordan Petaia (quad).
Fresh off the Wallabies' first home series win since 2014, Rennie named a largely similar squad to that which defeated France 2-1.
The group was assembling at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast on Sunday, to prepare for the first Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on August 7.
"The connection this group is forming is growing every day and we've picked a squad of players here who are willing to work hard for each other," Rennie said.
"We know we've still got a way to go to get to where we want to be but that challenge is exciting and something we're looking forward to.
"We have a great opportunity coming up in the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Tests to build on the momentum we picked up during a tough French Series."
Wallabies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Angus Bell, Pone Fa'amausili, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper (c), Len Ikitau, Feleti Kaitu'u, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Rob Leota, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Andy Muirhead, Isi Naisarani, James O'Connor, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Duncan Paia'aua, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Swinton, Matt To'omua, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright.
