Wallabies in USA: Michael Cheika calls trio into Test squad

TAQELE Naiyaravoro, Sam Carter and James Hanson are joining the Wallabies as part of a 34-man squad for Sunday’s Test against the USA.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Taqele Naiyaravoro of the Barbarians charges upfield during the Rugby Union match between the Barbarians and Samoa at the Olympic Stadium on August 29, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

TAQELE Naiyaravoro, Sam Carter and James Hanson are joining the Wallabies in the United States as part of a 34-man squad for Sunday’s Test against the USA in Chicago.

Hanson and Carter will link with the squad in Indiana following solid performances during the opening rounds of the National Rugby Championship, while Naiyaravoro arrived at the team’s camp at Notre Dame University from London on Monday after playing in the Barbarians’ 27-24 win over Samoa.

All three players were involved in last week’s camp in Sydney as part of the wider Wallabies training squad and will continue to play a role in the team’s preparation for the USA match.

Taqele Naiyaravoro of the Barbarians charges upfield against Samoa at the Olympic Stadium.

“There is a specific role for these players heading over here to the US, which will assist our preparations for this Saturday’s match [local time] and the Rugby World Cup,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.

“It’s crucial we continue to improve as a collective and having Taqele, Sam and James here in the US allows them to stay connected to the group, and will help us throughout our preparation and training.”

125kg winger Naiyaravoro and hooker Hanson have been involved with the Wallabies squad since the opening training camp on the Sunshine Coast in July, while Brumbies lock Carter has impressed in his return from a serious knee injury.

Sam Carter of Australia wins the lineout under pressure from Courtney Lawes of England.

“We’ve been watching Taqele with great interest throughout The Rugby Championship and during his World XV and Barbarians matches,” said Cheika.

“Sam has been very impressive at training since returning from injury and a standout during his NRC matches in recent weeks. Both he and James are arriving late to this camp as we wanted both players to fulfil their commitments to their respective NRC clubs on the weekend.”

The historic Test against the USA Eagles will be Australia’s first in the USA in almost 40 years and just the fourth match the Wallabies have played on US soil.

The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 502 and kicks off at 9.40am AEST.

Originally published as Wallabies in USA: Michael Cheika calls trio into Test squad