All The News

The return of Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu and the selection of 21-year-old Queensland halfback Will Genia highlight the 30-man Wallabies Tri-Nations squad named on Thursday.

Palu and Genia replace Lote Tuqiri and Josh Valentine, respectively, from the squad which completed the first phase of the international season last month.

The Wallaby selectors have opted for a 17-13 split between forwards and backs within the group.

"If you look at the competition from an historical perspective, and more particularly look at the pointers from our experience last year; it is in the forward pack where our resources are most likely to come under stress," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.

"With that in mind, and given the nature of playing resources that we have available to us at the moment in terms of players who we feel are capable at this level; we felt that a 17-13 split was the most appropriate mix for this tournament."

The selection of Genia, who joins Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson as an uncapped member of the squad, had been flagged after the Super 14.

His selection at that point was only prevented by the injury he sustained - he tore a tendon in his finger - during a two-try performance against the Brumbies in Brisbane.

But Genia has now resumed passing and, while still to play a match on his return, is expected to be available when the tournament kicks-off in two weeks.

"Had Will been available for our first squad, we would have selected him," Deans explained.

"His absence gave Josh Valentine an opportunity to be involved, and gain experience within our group which is important in terms of broadening our halfback depth but, now that Will is ready to get started, it is an appropriate time to bring him in."

Deans believes that Genia - who was born in Papua New Guinea, but represented Australia at last year's Under-20 World Cup - still has major scope for improvement in his game.

"We were impressed by what we saw of his work with the Reds, and believe that he is only going to get better with time and opportunity to develop his game within our framework," the Aussie coach added.

Hardman Palu, meanwhile, has not played for Australia since last year's tour win over France in Paris.

He was forced to return home after that match for a shoulder operation, and has subsequently been troubled by two separate broken bones in his left hand - although those injuries failed to prevent him from appearing in all 13 matches played by the Waratahs during the Super 14.

The 26-year-old - who has 28 Test caps to his name - made his playing return at club level for Manly recently.

"Cliff is in the same position as Will, in that he would have been selected in our initial squad had he been available," Deans said. "Now that he's good to go, we’re pleased to have him back."

His inclusion reinforces a loose forward unit that has been further bolstered by the return from a shoulder injury of Hodgson, who was forced from the field 40 minutes into his debut against the Barbarians at the Sydney Football Stadium last month.

Hodgson is expected to be available for selection for the Tri-Nations opener, although former Leinsterman Rocky Elsom, who is resting a bruised bone around his knee, may not be able to be considered until Australia's trip to South Africa at the end of the month.

"He's making progress but we won't look at getting Rocky started again until he is ready," Deans revealed.

According to Deans, the decision to enter the tournament with nine players capable of featuring among the loose forwards, which includes utility forwards Dean Mumm and Peter Kimlin, reflected both an awareness of the traditionally high rate of attrition in this area, but also the uncertainty over the pre-tournament preparation for Hodgson and Elsom, in particular.

This year sees the 14th edition of the annual three-nation tournament, which the All Blacks won last year.

The Wallabies Tri-Nations squad (30):

Forwards (17): Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Pekahou Cowan, Rocky Elsom, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Phil Waugh.

Backs (13): Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Ryan Cross, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock, James O'Connor, Timana Tahu, Lachie Turner.