Wallabies star named in squad for All Blacks tests despite ongoing ban review

byTom Sansom

Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou have been released from the Wallabies squad ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series, opening the door for Toby Macpherson to earn his first call-up to the Australian squad.

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Hooper has returned to England to rejoin his club side Exeter Chiefs.

France-based Tupou is also unavailable, heads to Racing 92 in Paris.

Australia’s next two Tests against the All Blacks fall outside World Rugby’s Regulation 9 window.

Their departures have paved the way for Macpherson to join Australia’s 34-man squad to face New Zealand.

The 22-year-old was born in Dubbo and raised in Goondiwindi.

He progressed through Goondiwindi Junior Emus before making his mark with the ACT Brumbies.

Inside centre Hunter Paisami has been named, but his availability remains subject to the outcome of a Disciplinary Committee hearing.

This follows his yellow card in the dying stages of Australia’s win over South Africa in Perth.

Should Paisami be unavailable, Jock Campbell will be brought into the group.

Able to play both lock and back row, Macpherson has been rewarded for his strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS.

He will now join the Wallabies for the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series.

The uncapped forward is one of four changes to the squad.

Wallaby #1000 Massimo De Lutiis is recalled in place of Tupou.

Filipo Daugunu has also returned after recovering from a minor knee injury.

Nick Frost has been added as injury cover for Josh Canham.

Canham continues to manage a minor hamstring strain suffered in Perth.

The remainder of the squad remains largely unchanged from the group selected across the Wallabies’ past five Tests, under head coach Les Kiss.

“It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand,” Kiss said.

“They're a motivated playing group who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best.”

The Wallabies will assemble in Auckland on Sunday before facing the All Blacks at Eden Park next Saturday.

For Macpherson, the call-up marks a major milestone after beginning his rugby journey with Goondiwindi Junior Emus.

He will now have the chance to push for his first Test cap in the gold jersey.