JOC axed, Foley back to help Wallabies tackle Boks

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Bernard Foley could play his first Test for the Wallabies since the 2019 World Cup after being included in a 35-man squad for the matches against the Springboks in Adelaide and Sydney.

Foley’s inclusion comes after Quade Cooper suffered a season-ending injury in the two-Test tour of Argentina, while James O’Connor has been left out entirely despite starting the previous Test in San Juan.

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32-year-old Foley has spent the past three years in Japan with Kubota Spears, the same team Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx plays for, and returns after turning down a chance to be part of last year’s Rugby Championship squad.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has also welcomed back a few players from injury, who were forced to miss the Tests against Los Pumas.

This includes wing Andrew Kellaway (hamstring) as well as props Scott Sio (arm) and Angus Bell (toe).  They are joined by Hunter Paisami, Dave Porecki (both concussions) and Allan Alaalatoa (personal reasons).

“After a tough two weeks in Argentina we’re extremely pleased to be able to welcome a few men back into the mob this week,” Rennie said in a statement.

“To have their experience on deck will be valuable in what’s going to be a massive challenge coming up against South Africa two weeks in a row.”

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“We know how important these matches are and we’ll be working hard to make sure we put out performances that earn the respect of our supporters,” Rennie added.

The Wallabies will open the home section of their campaign against the Springboks in Adelaide on 27 August. This is followed by both teams heading to Sydney on 3 September, set to be the first Test match at the new Allianz Stadium.

Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA

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Dylan Jack