Fijian-born powerhouse Isi Naisarani’s potential to solve Australia’s back-row dilemma has been underlined, with his naming as a development player to accompany the Wallabies on their spring tour.
Naisarani isn’t eligible to represent Australia until April, but the 195cm 23-year-old Brumby is widely considered the man who can add much-needed height and bulk alongside world-class flankers Michael Hooper and David Pocock.
Talented Queensland Reds teenage back Jordan Petaia and halfback Jake Gordon are the only uncapped members of the official 32-man squad.
Naisarani and fellow Brumbies back-rower Rob Valentini, who will also travel as a development player, are still to earn a Test cap.
The squad includes three overseas-based players.
Utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper, who is based with Kobe Steelers in Japan, has the chance to add to his tally of 116 caps – the last being in 2016.
Veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will link with the Wallabies in Wales, after playing for Leicester in the English Premiership since his last Test appearance in September against Argentina on the Gold Coast.
Playmaker Matt Toomua is still attached to Leicester despite playing all six Rugby Championship matches.
FORWARDS:
Jermaine Ainsley (Rebels), Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Adam Coleman (Rebels), Jack Dempsey (Waratahs), Folau Fainga’a ( Brumbies), Ned Hanigan (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (capt, Waratahs), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs ), Tolu Latu (Waratahs), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Leicester, England) David Pocock (Brumbies), Izack Rodda (Reds), Rob Simmons (Waratahs), Pete Samu (Brumbies), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Reds).
BACKS:
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Kobe Steelers, Japan), Tom Banks (Brumbies), Kurtley Beale, (Waratahs), Israel Folau (Waratahs), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Will Genia (Rebels), Jake Gordon* (Waratahs), Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels), Samu Kerevi (Reds), Marika Koroibete (Rebels), Jack Maddocks (Rebels), Sefa Naivalu (Rebels), Jordan Petaia (Reds), Nick Phipps (Waratahs), Matt Toomua (Leicester, England/Rebels)
DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS:
Rob Valetini* (Brumbies), Isi Naisarani* (Rebels)
*denotes uncapped.
SPRING TOUR MATCHES:
* Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sunday November 11, 4:05am AEDT)
* Italy (Stadio Euganeo, Padua, Sunday November 18, 12:45am AEDT)
* England (Twickenham Stadium, London, Sunday November 25, 1:45am AEDT).
