The problem position of hooker provided the big surprises as Dave Rennie unveiled his first Wallabies squad of 2021 on Sunday.
In a 40 man group to assemble on the Gold Coast next month there was no room for Folau Fainga'a, Jordan Uelese and Brandon Paenga-Amosa – a trio that has featured regularly in gold in recent seasons.
Instead there were call-ups for Brumbies back-up Lachlan Lonergan, Force mover Feleti Kaitu'u, Waratahs rake Dave Porecki and Reds try-scoring ace Alex Mafi – without a Test cap between them as Rennie casts the net extremely wide.
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The three day camp is largely to square away logistical and promotional responsibilities with the Wallabies not scheduled to play until a three Test series against France in July.
So it would be silly to read too much into these initial selections, particularly before the Australian sides test themselves against the Kiwis in the trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.
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Veteran prop Scott Sio was another intriguing omission, with Rennie telling reporters that "it gives Scotty a message that there's a couple of guys ahead of him and he needs to fight."
"It's in his hands," Rennie added.
There are 14 uncapped players in the squad.
Minus the four hookers, they are: Tim Anstee, Pone Fa'amausili, Trevor Hosea, Len Ikitau, Josh Kemeny, Andy Muirhead, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Seru Uru and star NRL recruit Suliasi Vunivalu.
Former sevens star Anstee and Rebels flanker Kemeny are in the genuine bolter category, with Rennie saying the mix was "an indication of form and potential."
"The spine of the Wallabies is there," the second-year coach added,
"It's a little message for those not on the list to work hard and improve."
Rennie then rattled off the attributes of the four uncapped hookers, starting with Lonergan.
"Very good set-piece, not a big man but very good around the field, a good athlete and aggressive," he said.
"We think he's got a real point of difference. We see immediate potential in Lachie.
"We've picked on form. Alex Mafi, forget about the tries he scored, he's more like a Kiwi hooker, got really good pace. Dave Porecki brings very good set-piece and experience.
"Kaitu'u is a block of a man who we're keen to learn more about. We know a lot about the other boys but it's a position we need to create more depth in. They've got a foot in the door."
Rennie made it clear that selection might look different if there was a Test match on this weekend.
"This is not a Wallaby team," he said.
"We're bringing a group of guys into camp. Those guys have played well. It's a message to the guys who aren't in, your position is not safe. There's still a window for guys to fight their way back in."
Rennie said he was "very excited" about the potential of Uru, who has played well for the Reds this season at both lock and No.8.
He viewed him as a Test option at either No.8 or blindside flanker.
"Reasonable size but a really good athlete. Keen to learn more about him."
At lock there was a recall after eight years for Sitaleki Timani, 34, who has returned home to play for the Force after a long stint in France.
"Sitaleki is a beast of a man and if you chat to Holmesy (Greg Holmes) he'll testify he's a massive scrummager," Rennie said.
"He's come out of the French game which is pretty brutal and direct. It's a position where there's been a lot of shifts. Caderyn has really grown his game and Darcy was very physical at the weekend which is good."
Only four Waratahs made the squad amid their season from hell while there are 14 Brumbies, 12 Reds, seven Rebels and three from the Force.
Wallabies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Tim Anstee, Tom Banks, Angus Bell, Filipo Daugunu, Pone Fa'amausili, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Trevor Hosea, Len Ikitau, Feleti Kaitu'u, Josh Kemeny, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Alex Mafi, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Andy Muirhead, Isi Naisarani, Cadeyrn Neville, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, David Porecki, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Irae Simone, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Swinton, Sitaleki Timani, Matt To'omua, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/wallabies-squad-2021-australian-rugby-news-dave-rennie-suliasi-vunivalu/a81b2ff5-cf4d-4219-abfa-86f017d12a11
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