Key Squad Selections for The Rugby Championship
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been included in the Wallabies squad for the first leg of The Rugby Championship, marking his return to Test rugby after being overlooked for the Lions series. The experienced lock joins four other locks, including French-based Will Skelton, in Joe Schmidt’s 35-man squad for the two Tests against the Springboks. This selection comes as the Wallabies prepare for what is expected to be their toughest challenge of the year.
Nic White was initially selected despite announcing his retirement, but this decision was reversed when fellow fly-half Jake Gordon suffered an injury during training. As a result, White remains in the squad, and uncapped Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan has been officially called up. Lonergan is set to make his debut after years of waiting on the periphery of the team.
Among the three uncapped players in the squad are winger Corey Toole and loose-head prop Aidan Ross, who became eligible for the Wallabies last month. Ross previously played one Test for the All Blacks. Salakaia-Loto is poised to make his first Test appearance in 2025, following a strong showing during the Lions series.
Tane Edmed, the sole Test playmaker with just one cap to his name, has also been recalled after suffering a head knock during his debut against Ireland. His return follows Tom Lynagh’s ongoing concussion issues. Lynagh was forced off during the Wallabies’ 22-12 win over the British and Irish Lions due to an illegal high tackle by Dan Sheehan, which led to Sheehan’s suspension. This was Lynagh’s third concussion in six months.
Edmed will join Ben Donaldson and James O’Connor as the three playmakers in the squad. Donaldson is expected to take over the No.10 jersey for the first time this year after coming off the bench in all four Tests so far. Reds back Josh Flook provides cover at outside centre and the wing, replacing the injured Harry Potter.
Injuries and Squad Adjustments
Rob Valetini, a John Eales Medallist, has been named in the squad, while tight-head prop Taniela Tupou, who had a strong return in the win over the Lions, has also been included. However, Tupou will undergo another fitness test before the Wallabies depart for South Africa after sustaining a toe injury during the win.
Reds hooker Josh Nasser joins Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Billy Pollard in the squad following Dave Porecki’s retirement and Matt Faessler’s calf injury. Overseas-bound forwards Tom Hooper (Exeter) and Langi Gleeson (Montpellier) have also been included. Both were initially excluded from the Wallabies’ first camp of the year but made their way back into the Test setup after standout performances in Super Rugby.
Their selections come after Rugby Australia’s high performance director, Peter Horne, clarified the nation’s eligibility criteria, stating that anyone could be considered for selection. Schmidt expressed satisfaction with retaining some continuity in the squad while adding depth and fresh talent.
“We’re very conscious of how difficult it is going to be, playing South Africa on their home turf over two consecutive weekends,” Schmidt said. “The group has made some positive steps throughout the start of the Test season, but we all know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
The Challenge Ahead
The Wallabies will head to South Africa as massive underdogs, facing a well-oiled Springboks side under coach Rassie Erasmus. The tournament opener will serve as a crucial litmus test for the Wallabies, assessing their progress since being defeated by the Springboks in Australia last year.
Salakaia-Loto’s return comes after delivering eye-catching performances during the Lions series. Despite initial concerns over his injury-disrupted finish to the Super Rugby campaign, he showed promise for the Reds and backed it up with strong displays for the AUNZ Invitational side and the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
Lonergan’s call-up comes after years of consistent form for the Brumbies. Whether he plays in the first Test at Ellis Park remains uncertain, but a maiden Wallabies cap seems imminent.
Full Wallabies Squad for The Rugby Championship
Forwards (20)
Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 39)
Nick Champion De Crespigny (Western Force, 1)
Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies, 29)
Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs, 17)
Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies, 13)
Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 29)
Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 6)
Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds, 12)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 21)
Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies, 10)
Tom Robertson (Western Force, 33)
Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 0)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds, 41)
Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais, France, 34)
James Slipper (ACT Brumbies, 147)
Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 8)
Taniela Tupou (NSW Waratahs, 59)
Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies, 53)
Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 14)
Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds, 26)
Backs (15)
Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 19)
Tane Edmed (NSW Waratahs, 1)
Josh Flook (Queensland Reds, 4)
Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies, 43)
Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 11)
Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs, 41)
Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 0)
Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 45)
James O’Connor (Crusaders, New Zealand, 64)
Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 31)
Dylan Pietsch (Western Force, 6)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 8)
Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies, 0)
Nic White (Western Force, 73)
Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 41)
Unavailable for selection due to injury
Allan Alaalatoa
Charlie Cale
Massimo De Lutiis
Matt Faessler
Jake Gordon
Noah Lolesio
Tom Lynagh
Harry Potter
Luke Reimer
Fixtures for The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour
Rugby Championship/Blediscoe Cup
Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 17 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 24 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand at 3:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Spring Tour
Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo
Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London
Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at Stade de France, Paris