David Pocock returns ahead of Bledisloe Cup clash

Adam Kyriacou

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has included both David Pocock and Jordan Petaia in his squad for their opening Bledisloe Cup fixture.

Petaia has been working his way back to full match fitness via club rugby, playing for Wests and Sunnybank in recent weeks as he returns from a lisfranc injury he suffered in round three of Super Rugby.

The 19-year-old has been training with the extended squad in Brisbane in recent weeks but has not been formally added to a squad this year until now.

Petaia was on the verge of making his debut in Australia’s Test against Italy last November, before a hamstring twinge cut short his chances of playing.

That lisfranc injury set him back again after a sensational start to the Super Rugby season, but he has always remained in the Test frame as a World Cup bolter.

The teenager joins Pocock (calf) and Tatafu Polota-Nau (ankle) as additions to as 36-man squad for the opening Bledisloe week.

Back-row Jack Dempsey has been omitted from the squad after playing off the bench in South Africa and missing the 23 against Argentina in Brisbane.

Winger Jack Maddocks is the other notable omission, set to line up for Sydney’s Easts in club rugby again this weekend.

Wallabies coach Cheika said Petaia wouldn’t necessarily be rushed into the matchday squad in Perth.

“Squad decisions are getting harder and harder to make. So many lads are putting their hands up at training and at club rugby around the country, and each one of them is pushing the other to get better each day,” he said.

“It’s great to see Jordan (Petaia) back. He’s had a few games of club rugby under his belt now so we’ll look to integrate him this week in Perth and give him time to settle in.

“We were pleased to get the win against Argentina and we felt we built on some things from the previous game against South Africa and now we’ll be looking to build on that.

“There’s strong belief in the group and it’s showing itself in how hard they’re training and how committed they are to doing whatever they need to do to achieve our goals.”

Australia squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Folau Fainga’a, Michael Hooper (c), Luke Jones, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Liam Wright

Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Joe Powell, Matt To’omua, Nic White

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