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Ex-All Black named in Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad

Ex-All Black named in Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad

Alex Hodgman is poised to become the fourth man to play for both the Wallabies and All Blacks after being named in Joe Schmidt’s new look Test squad.

The 30-year-old prop played four Tests for New Zealand in 2020 and qualifies to play for Australia through his father.

Hodgman, who now plays his Super Rugby for the Reds, is one of 13 uncapped players in a squad of 38 unveiled on Friday.

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Alex Hodgman and Richie Mo’unga of the All Blacks celebrate winning a Bledisloe Cup match. Getty

The squad will assemble in Brisbane on Sunday for a four day camp as they begin preparations for their first Test of 2024 against Wales in Sydney on July 6.

As expected, NRL bound duo Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase were not included along with several players who have signed deals overseas.

Brumbies speedster Corey Toole was not included as he bids for Olympic Games selection in sevens.

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Jordan Petaia, Jordan Uelese, Josh Canham and Seru Uru also missed out while Schmidt did not name a captain as he starts rebuilding from the Eddie Jones rubble.

Force fullback Kurtley Beale – who last played for the Wallabies in 2021 – was included after making his comeback following court proceedings this year.

“There were some very tight selection calls, as there always are when selecting a national team,” Schmidt said.

Kurtley Beale of the Force passes the ball.

Kurtley Beale of the Force passes the ball. Getty

“The coaching group has looked hard at on field performances and had ongoing discussions with Super Rugby coaches. We’ve combined the observations we’ve made with some candid discussion and feel that we have some very good players to start working with, while also acknowledging that there are some good players who have missed selection.

“We have a short runway into our first Test, so we’re just keen to get to work and make as much progress as we can over the four days we have in Brisbane.”

The other uncapped players are Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Isaac Kailea, Josh Nasser, Ryan Smith, Jeremy Williams, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Darby Lancaster, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch and Hamish Stewart.

David Feliuai of the Rebels scores a try.

David Feliuai of the Rebels scores a try. Getty

Rebels centre Feliuai, who once played his rugby in Romania, is perhaps the biggest bolter, preferred to NSW’s Lalakai Foketi.

Queensland teammates Lynagh and Nasser have followed in their father’s footsteps with Michael Lynagh and Brendan Nasser having pulled on the gold jersey during the 1980s and 1990s.

Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Max Jorgensen, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, Dave Porecki and Blake Schoupp were all unavailable through injury.

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No overseas based players were selected.

Earlier this year, Hodgman – a mobile rather than power scrummaging loosehead – cautiously put his hand up for the Wallabies.

Ted Jessep, Des Connor and Owen Stephens are the three previous men to have represented both countries at Test level.

Alex Hodgman (centre) of the All Blacks looks on during the Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies in 2020.

Alex Hodgman (centre) of the All Blacks looks on during the Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies in 2020. Anthony Au-Yeung via Getty Images

“I’ve coached Alex briefly. I went in to help out the Blues when Tana (Umaga) had a year off and helped with the defence. And Alex worked really hard, works hard on his game,” New Zealander Schmidt told reporters in Sydney.

“And I think he’ll be pretty excited to be in the squad with a chance of potentially being one of four people, which is an extraordinary little bit of history that he might be able to be part of. But in the meantime, he knows me reasonably well.

“He’ll be understanding that it’s going to be a pretty pragmatic decision and there’s things to be earned. And so he’ll be ready to roll his sleeves up.”

WALLABIES SQUAD

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright

JULY SCHEDULE

July 6 vs Wales at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

July 13 vs Wales at AAMI Park, Melbourne

July 20 vs Georgia at Allianz Stadium, Sydney