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Michael Cheika set to name backrow rookies Richard Hardwick and Ned Hanigan in Wallabies squad

WITH Sean McMahon and David Pocock unavailable, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika looks set to turn to two unheralded rookies with just a handful of Super caps between them.

Michael Cheika is set to gamble on rookies Richard Hardwick and Ned Hanigan to cover for Davis Pocock and Sean McMahon.
Michael Cheika is set to gamble on rookies Richard Hardwick and Ned Hanigan to cover for Davis Pocock and Sean McMahon.

ONE was born in Namibia and the other in Dubbo 22 years ago, now backrowers Richard Hardwick and Ned Hanigan are set to be the bolters for the Wallabies’ June Test squad.

The two rookies are tipped to be named in Michael Cheika’s 33-man squad on Tuesday as Australia prepares for three Tests against Fiji, Scotland and Italy.

Having selected a record 13 Test debutants last year, there will be few uncapped players in this squad but it’s understood Hardwick and Hanigan will be among them.

Ned Hanigan has played just 12 Super Rugby games for the Waratahs.
Ned Hanigan has played just 12 Super Rugby games for the Waratahs.

With Melbourne Rebels flanker Sean McMahon ruled out of the series with a dislocated wrist, and David Pocock on sabbatical, the door has opened for Cheika to select the rising stars.

Hardwick has been a rock of the underrated Western Force pack this season while Hanigan has been a consistent performer for the Waratahs, and was among their best last weekend against the Highlanders.

Hardwick, born in Namibia, has come through the Force academy system and was player of the final in last year’s National Rugby Championship decider for Perth Spirit.

Country kid Hanigan moved from Dubbo to Coonamble as a youngster before relocating to Sydney’s St Joseph’s College at age 12.

Just last week, Cheika identified the duo by name when asked about strong new candidates for his squad.

Richard Hardwick is a WA product.
Richard Hardwick is a WA product.

“We like what we’ve seen from (Queensland’s Adam) Korczyk and Hanigan, these young guys coming through, definitely not finished articles,” Cheika said.

“I’ve said before I like Hardwick too, so there’s a fair bit of depth there.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting competition for a spot and more about who can go up a level and make it into the gold jersey.”

Both Hardwick and Korczyk came off the bench in the Force’s 40-26 win over the Reds last Friday in Brisbane.

Hanigan started for NSW in their 44-28 loss to the Highlanders, and was strong in both attack and defence.

Australia, ranked No.3 in the world, is expected to easily account for the three touring nations in June but must build combinations and confidence ahead of the Bledisloe Cup showdown in Sydney on August 19.

New Zealand sides hold an incredible 20-0 win record over Australian sides in Super Rugby this season and few expect the Wallabies to break their 14-year Bledisloe drought in 2017.

While Cheika has already ruled out returning star Kurtley Beale for the June series, he is expected to feature in TRC.

France-based halfback Will Genia will be first-choice halfback throughout the June series and beyond.

Back-up Nick Phipps suffered an ankle injury last weekend playing for NSW. If he is likely to miss games, Tahs teammate Jake Gordon would be the obvious choice to join Brumbies No.9 Joe Powell as Genia’s deputies.

Former NRL star Marika Koroibete, who toured with the Wallabies during last year’s spring tour but did not play a Test, also looks to have done enough to earn a place in the June squad.

Originally published as Michael Cheika set to name backrow rookies Richard Hardwick and Ned Hanigan in Wallabies squad

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/michael-cheika-set-to-name-backrow-rookies-richard-hardwick-and-ned-hanigan-in-wallabies-squad/news-story/8eaed91bde7b7f147dca8db255a48a92