Cheika sticks with rookies for Cup opener

RUGBY UNION: Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks are one step closer to making their Test debuts after they were included in the Wallabies’ 28-man squad for next weekend’s Bledisloe Cup opener at ANZ Stadium.

The two outside backs were the only uncapped players to retain their places in the squad, which has been cut from 36 to 28 after an intensive week-long camp in Cessnock.

Folau Faingaa, Jermaine Ainsley, Rory Arnold, Caleb Timu, Billy Meakes, Jordan Petaia, Sefa Naivalu and Curtis Rona all missed the cut and will go straight back to playing in the National Rugby Championship or their club sides.

Rona’s omission from the trimmed-down squad means Reece Hodge is one step closer to claiming the vacant No.13 jersey.

Israel Folau is the only other possibility for the spot, though Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been adamant he prefers him in the 15 jersey.

A further five players will be released before the final match-day squad of 23 is announced on Thursday.

“We’ll have some extra players in there on Monday and Tuesday so we can get our training done and then I just think that I want to have a bit more focus on the group that’s going to play the game,” Cheika said.

“I want the guys that are not playing in that given week to go and play some footy, whether it be club or NRC, depending on the time of year.

“I just think that little bit of extra focus on a smaller group of players in there can build our alignment and cohesion.

“Everyone’s focused on the one task, everyone knows what their role is.”

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper (hamstring), prop Scott Sio (shoulder) and outside back Dane Haylett-Petty (knee) have all passed fitness tests to play against the All Blacks.

Banks and Maddocks, two of the most exciting young players in Australian rugby, could be vying for a spot as a reserve depending on whether Cheika opts for two or three backs on his bench.