Naivalu’s quick hop into Wallabies squad

FIJI-born winger Sefa Naivalu has been named in Australia’s squad for the last two rounds of the Rugby Championship only days after becoming eligible for the national team.

Naivalu, who plays for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, became eligible on Monday and was added to a 30-man squad to play away matches against Argentina and South Africa.

Uncapped hooker Tolu Latu has been called up to replace NSW teammate Tatafu Polota-Nau who is being rested because of an arm injury.

Winger Drew Mitchell, lock Will Skelton and backrower Ben McCalman have been released after recent injuries.

Utility Matt Toomua has also been left out as he continues to recover from concussion. Nick Frisby has been named to provide cover at scrumhalf behind Will Genia and Nick Phipps.

In McCalman’s absence, Sean McMahon and Lopeti Timani will compete for the backrow position vacated by the injured David Pocock.

Timani made his debut during the Wallabies’ 36-20 win against Argentina in Perth last week while McMahon took the field as a replacement for Pocock who suffered a broken hand.

Australia is second on the Rugby Championship table behind New Zealand, which has already clinched the title with two rounds to play.

The Wallabies’ remaining matches are against the Springboks in Pretoria on October 1 and Argentina at London’s Twickenham Stadium on October 7.