Source : ABC NEWS
Jock Campbell has emerged from almost four years in the international rugby wilderness to snare the prized fullback role for the Wallabies in their Nations Championship opener against Ireland.
After a solid Super Rugby Pacific season for the Queensland Reds, Campbell beat Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright to the number 15 jersey for Saturday night’s Test in Sydney.
Campbell has not played a Test since Australia’s win over Wales in Cardiff on the 2022 spring tour of Europe.
That was 1,316 days ago.
While his selection is somewhat of a surprise, Campbell’s return is nothing but deserved after he gained selection in the Super Rugby Pacific team of the year in 2026.
Campbell will link up with wingers Jorgensen and Dylan Pietsch in Australia’s back three at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.
Reds lock Josh Canham has been named for his first Test start, partnering Western Force captain Jeremy Williams in the second row.
Ryan Lonergan earned a start at scrum half for the Wallabies. (Getty Images: Mark Nolan)
ACT Brumbies scrum half Ryan Lonergan is another who has earned his first run-on for the Wallabies.
Lonergan will partner Carter Gordon in the halves.
Angus Bell returns from his sabbatical in Belfast to start at loosehead prop against a number of his Ulster teammates.
Bell will complete a front row that includes hooker Josh Nasser and the highly experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Australian supporters will find a familiar back-row to start the 2026 Test campaign, with two-time John Eales medallist Rob Valetini selected at blindside flanker, Reds captain Fraser McReight at openside, and Harry Wilson captaining the side at number eight.
Wallabies squad: Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (C), Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Dylan Pietsch, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Tom Wright
AAP
