Eddie Jones has caught Formula 1 fever, likening his first Wallabies training squad to the motor sport pre-season.
While the cars raced around the circuit in Melbourne on Sunday, Jones dished up his own version of thrills and spills in a 33-man squad which will go into a three-day camp later this month.
The World Cup coach named six uncapped players including 18-year-old Waratahs outside back Max Jorgensen, Melbourne playmaker Carter Gordon and Reds centre Josh Flook.
Brumbies prop Blake Schoupp and Rebels backrower Brad Wilkin also find themselves in the national set up for the first time.
League convert Suliasi Vunivalu was included despite the winger’s average form for Queensland.
Among regulars to miss selection were Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon, with uncapped Ryan Lonergan preferred along with fellow Brumbies No.9 Nic White.
ACT playmaker Noah Lolesio was also a surprise omission as was Queensland playmaker James O’Connor while his Reds teammate Tom Lynagh wasn’t considered due to injury.
Taking over from dumped coach Dave Rennie, Jones said he wanted to see players make the most of the fresh start.
“Every pre-season testing in Formula One is a fresh start,” said Jones.
“New ideas, new cars, new drivers, new support staff. It’s the same for us.”
“This is a new squad, with new standards and new expectations for a new challenge.
“I hope the players who have this first chance understand the privilege, have their tyres pumped up and they’re ready to go.”
Jones said he was intent on building a winning mind-set, disappointed with Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific teams apart from the Brumbies.
“The players selected for this first camp, they’ve delivered on work rate, effort and intent.
“What they haven’t delivered on in Super Rugby is winning, particularly against New Zealand teams.
“Competitive doesn’t cut it. We will build a winner’s mindset in the Wallabies players, and we will win games.
“We have the talent in Australia but not the team. This first camp and this first squad is the first step to building a winning team.”
He underlined that there would likely be changes before his World Cup squad was finalised.
“If you are in it, the challenge is to stay in it. If you are not in it, how do you get in it? Players select themselves.”
Overseas-based players Richard Arnold, Tom Banks, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi and Will Skelton have been earmarked to take part in online sessions with the camp squad.
Wallabies camp squad
Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Donaldson, Pone Fa’amausili, Josh Flook, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Carter Gordon, Ned Hanigan, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Fraser McReight, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordan Petaia, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Pete Samu, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Brad Wilkin, Tom Wright.
