Cheika hails 'grit and determination' of uncapped duo as Wallabies make changes

The uncapped pair of Angus Cottrell and Jake Gordon have been included in Australia’s squad for the last two Rugby Championship matches against South Africa and Argentina.

Head coach Michael Cheika has named a 30-man party for the upcoming Tests in Port Elizabeth and Salta, hoping for an improved performance after last weekend’s 23-19 home defeat at the hands of the Pumas.

Rebels flanker Cottrell and Waratahs scrum-half Gordon are the only two members of the squad yet to represent the Wallabies, the former replacing Pete Samu, whose knee injury suffered against Argentina has ruled him out for a month.

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Captain Michael Hooper, who missed the Argentina game with a slight hamstring problem, is back in the fold.

Tolu Latu has been left out, Brandon Paenga-Amosa taking his place, while Lukhan Tui is unavailable. The flanker became embroiled in a scuffle with a fan after the game last week, only a few days after losing his stepfather.

Australia face the Springboks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on September 29 before taking on the Pumas the following week.

#BREAKING l Your #Wallabies squad heading to South Africa and Argentina.

READ: https://t.co/Dq2b8TXT2W#TRC18 pic.twitter.com/sd9gidzrIu

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 21, 2018

“There’s an opportunity presented to us now to get some good victories overseas and that’s going to come from consistency in the way that we play,” said Cheika.

“We have got some new additions to the squad and these guys have shown plenty of grit and determination to get an opportunity at a higher level so now we’re looking for them to add that to the mix.

“We’re very determined to make sure that we repay the faith and show people what we’re about in the way we play.”

Australia squad to face South Africa and Argentina:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (captain), Sekope Kepu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Caleb Timu, Taniela Tupou.

Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake Gordon, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua.

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