New-look Wallabies aim up for Rugby World Cup

Penpix for Wallabies 2023 World Cup squad:

UTILITY BACKS

*Ben Donaldson, 23, 3 Tests – Rookie squad bolter who can play at five-eighth or fullback and serve as goalkicker.

*Andrew Kellaway, 27, 24 Tests – A strong communicator who brings composure and class at fullback.

Jordan Petaia, 23, 28 Tests – Yet to really nail best role and deliver on immense potential.

OUTSIDE BACKS

*Max Jorgensen, 19, uncapped – A future star, the baby-faced son of former Wallaby Peter Jorgensen.

Marika Koroibete, 31, 55 Tests – Power-packed winger who is regularly one of the Wallabies’ best.

*Mark Nawaqanitawase, 22, 7 Tests – Athletic speedster who can make things happen and excellent under the high ball.

*Suliasi Vunivalu, 27, 3 Tests – Has made a rocky transition from the NRL but remains a favourite of coach Jones.

CENTRES

*Lalakai Foketi, 28, 6 Tests – Defensively solid and a strong ball-runner.

Samu Kerevi 29, 45 Tests – The linchpin of the backline and his fitness is key to Australia’s title hopes.

*Izaia Perese, 26, 5 Tests – Had a rocky road into Test rugby but offers genuine pace and can break tackles.

FIVE-EIGHTH

*Carter Gordon, 22, 5 Tests – Handed the keys to the Wallabies attack despite playing only a handful of Tests.

HALFBACKS

*Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 27, 1 Test – A shock selection, the Western Force livewire caught attention through the Australia A team.

*Tate McDermott, 24, 26 Tests – Has leap-frogged Nic White to become the first-choice No.9 and vice-captain.

Nic White, 33, 63 Tests – The veteran should provide vital poise under pressure at the back-end of games.

BACK-ROWERS

*Langi Gleeson, 22, 4 Tests – Youngster who offers size, power and speed at No.8.

*Tom Hooper, 22, 4 Tests – The new Hooper on the block, plays the fearless brand of footy that excites coach Jones.

*Josh Kemeny, 24, 1 Test – Another surprise selection but a strong and mobile back-rower.

*Rob Leota, 26, 17 Tests – Making his way back from an Achilles injury. Big-bodied and provides physicality on either side of the ball.

*Fraser McReight, 24, 13 Tests – Finally gets his chance after lengthy wait behind Test centurion Michael Hooper.

*Rob Valetini, 25, 35 Tests – Big bruising back-rower who helps get the Wallabies on the front foot.

LOCKS

*Richie Arnold, 33, 5 Tests – Plucked from French rugby, identical twin brother of Rory who was part of Australia’s 2019 Cup campaign.

*Nick Frost, 23, 12 Tests – Was set to play in Japan until a late change of mind led to his Test debut. Athletically-gifted.

*Matt Philip, 29, 29 Tests – Hard-working and returning from ACL injury suffered last year.

Will Skelton, 31, 29 Tests – After tasting success with his France-based club, the giant lock has the winning attributes Jones wants in his captain.

PROPS

*Angus Bell, 22, 24 Tests – Starting to delivering on his promise after a horror injury run. Son of former Wallaby Mark Bell.

*Pone Fa’amausili, 26, 6 Tests – Looking to build on his best-ever Wallabies performance in his last outing against New Zealand.

*Zane Nonggorr, 22, 3 Tests – “Baby Thor” is making a name for himself after emerging from Taniela Tupou’s shadow.

*Blake Schoupp, 23, 1 Test – Eddie’s so-called “brick shithouse” has had a meteoric rise from fringe Super rugby player.

James Slipper, 34, 131 Tests – Under an injury could but stands alone as most experienced in squad with fourth RWC call-up.

Taniela Tupou, 27, 49 Tests – Has a chance to live up to his billing as one of the world’s best props.

HOOKERS

*Matt Faessler, 24, 2 Tests – With a Bledisloe Cup-winning grandfather, has the pedigree for Wallabies success.

*David Porecki, 30, 15 Tests – A late bloomer who spent five years in England honing his skills before making Test debut in 2022.

Jordan Uelese, 26, 18 Tests – Brought back into the fold by Jones after a series of injuries saw his Test prospects wane.

*denotes first Rugby World Cup