Schmidt names three uncapped players in Wallabies squad for Nations Championship test

Australia's new head coach, Joe Schmidt, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming Nations Championship tests, featuring three uncapped players who could make their international debut. The squad is set to face Ireland, France, and Italy in July.

Among the new additions is flyhalf Declan Meredith, who has been selected alongside Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson. Meredith's ACT Brumbies teammate Tane Edmed was notably excluded after struggling for consistent game time in the Super Rugby season. The other uncapped players are locks Lachlan Shaw and Miles Amatosero. However, in-form Queensland Reds second-rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto did not secure a spot in the squad.

In a surprising inclusion, prop James Slipper, who holds the record for the most capped Australian player, has been named in the squad despite announcing his retirement last year. Overseas-based center Len Ikitau, loose forward Tom Hooper, and props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell have also been included. Rugby league convert Zac Lomas and flyhalf Tom Lynagh are unavailable for selection, as is former captain Will Skelton.

Schmidt acknowledged the difficult decisions involved in squad selection. "There have been ongoing discussions amongst the coaches for a number of months and, as always, there are some very good players who have not been selected for this first international window," he stated. Schmidt is set to depart after these three tests, making way for Les Kiss to take over as head coach.

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There have been ongoing discussions amongst the coaches for a number of months and, as always, there are some very good players who have not been selected for this first international window.