Outgoing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to name his final squad on Friday for the July period, with multiple reports saying the selection includes at least one “shock” omission. Brisbane Times, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age all report that an enforcer figure is expected to be left out, suggesting Schmidt will not retain all of the established components ahead of the end of his tenure.
Stuff.co.nz adds that Schmidt’s final squad makes broader changes, describing his approach as a major gamble. It reports the selection includes a former All Black and three players with ex-NRL backgrounds, while also stating Schmidt has snubbed two experienced locks in favour of two rookies. Taken together, the coverage indicates Schmidt is using the final squad to refresh the group, combining incoming experience from past Wallabies and All Blacks pathways with newer talent, while leaving certain senior options out.
The reports agree the squad announcement is expected to come on Friday, but they differ on the emphasis of which players are omitted and the full composition of the roster.
