Australia named a 30-man squad for the June tests on May 27, including a match against Fiji, two Cook Cup matches against England and a one-off Test against Ireland for the Lansdowne Cup. The squad included seven uncapped players, but surprising omissions included NSW Waratahs captain Phil Waugh and the Wallabies most capped prop Al Baxter, which could effectively end the international career of the veteran flanker and prop. With first choice open-side flanker George Smith announcing his international retirement this year, Waugh was the obvious choice to be a part of the squad as a back-up to the Western Force's rising star David Pocock. Deans however selected uncapped Matt Hodgson as a likely replacement. Baxter was also widely believed to be of virtue to the squad, as injury to Wallaby regulars may force Deans to field an inexperienced front row. Test regulars Stirling Mortlock, Stephen Moore, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson and Queensland Reds captain James Horwill were unavailable for selection due to injury. Explosive blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham's much anticipated debut will be postponed also due to injury. Will Genia and Tatafu Polota-Nau are expected to miss at least one test while recovering from injury, but were still named in the squad. Matt Hodgson, Salesi Ma'afu and Rob Horne were all involved on the Wallabies Spring Tour last year, but did not receive a Test place. James Slipper was called up to the squad after injuries to Alexander and Robinson in the front-row.
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