Jones Axes Backs in Wallabies Squad for All Blacks Tests

 

Australia coach Eddie Jones has made some changes to his 34-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back tests against the All Blacks, following a disappointing start to the Rugby Championship. Experienced utility back Reece Hodge and fullback Tom Wright have been dropped from the squad after their winless performances.

The Wallabies suffered a heavy 43-12 defeat against a weakened South Africa in Pretoria and then faced a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to Argentina in Sydney last weekend, putting early pressure on Jones in his second stint as coach.

In a bid to strengthen the team, Andrew Kellaway and outside back Jordan Petaia have returned to the squad after recovering from injuries. They will be part of the Rugby Championship clash in Melbourne on July 29, which also serves as the first match of the annual Bledisloe Cup series. The second Bledisloe Cup test will take place in Dunedin on Aug. 5.

However, veteran flanker and co-captain Michael Hooper has been designated as the only player in a separate "rehab group" due to his calf injury, missing the Pumas game.

Matt Gibbon and Zane Nonggorr, both forwards, have been dropped from the squad.

Jones expressed his disappointment with the team's performance in the first stage of the campaign, emphasizing the need to improve in the upcoming matches. He believes that Melbourne will be the ground where they can showcase their best efforts.