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AAP
By Justin Chadwick
May 21, 2014, 3:55 pm
Forward Ben McCalman hopes the Western Force's hot start to the Super Rugby season will be rewarded by a host of Wallabies' call-ups.
McCalman and winger Nick Cummins are almost certain to be named in the Wallabies' 32-man squad for next month's three-Test series against France.
Force skipper Matt Hodgson is also in the running after producing a series of inspiring performances this year, while lock Adam Coleman, flanker Angus Cottrell and hooker Nathan Charles loom as bolters.
The Force are in the hunt for a maiden finals berth after winning seven of their opening 11 games of the season.
McCalman is confident the side's rise up the ranks won't be ignored by Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie when the squad is revealed on Thursday.
"I guess you'd like to think, with the success we've had this year, you might see a few new faces from the Force in there," McCalman said.
McCalman has been a key driver in the Force's stunning resurgence this year, with the 26-year-old combining brilliantly with Hodgson and Cottrell to create a formidable back-row.
But with Melbourne Rebels enforcer Scott Higginbotham and NSW Waratah Wycliff Palu also competing for the No.8 jersey, McCalman knows he faces a fight for a starting role.
"Personally, I feel like it's probably the best season I've had so far. I'll see what happens with selection," McCalman said.
"In certain games, they may pick certain combinations."
In-form centre Kyle Godwin is set to miss out on a Wallabies call-up as he recovers from a low-grade ligament tear in his knee.
Godwin missed last week's 24-8 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town, and he'll also sit out Saturday night's clash with the Lions in Perth.
The Force were starved of possession against the Stormers, with the Perth-based franchise having to make 65 tackles inside the opening 22 minutes.
But the job is set to be far easier against the Lions, who sit in 14th spot following a six-game losing streak.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...allabies-gold/
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
10am our time Alison? Is that when the team is going to announced???
Yes Jo. It's being made at noon EST so 10am for us :-)
Confirmed by 6PR radio in Perth. Nick Cummins, Pek Cowan, Nathan Charles, Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman are the 5 Force players to make the Wallabies.
“Everyone knows whether it’s rugby, politics or whatever, front-rowers should rule the world, so to have a hooker at the helm makes sense,” Nathan Charles Western Force & Wallabies Hooker.
It's either a guess or someone jumped the gun and leaked the info
The Wallabies have announced their 32-man squad:
Forwards:
Alexander, Cowan, Kepu, Sio, Slipper, Charles, Moore, Polota-Nau, Carter, Horwill, Jones, Simmons, Skelton, Fardy, Higginbotham, Hodgson, Hooper, McCalman, Palu
Backs:
Genia, Phipps, White, Beale, Foley, Kuridrani, Leali’ifano, Toomua, Ashley-Cooper, Cummins, Folau, Horne, McCabe.
Well done to our Western Wallabies Pekka, Cheesy, Hodgo, Big Dog and The Honeybadger![]()
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
11 Waratahs, 10 Brumbies, 5 Force, 4 Reds & 2 Rebels players in the 32-man Wallabies squad.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Some very "interesting" selections to say the least.
Would've been good to see Longbottom and Cottrell given a go to train with the wider squad at least, given their outstanding form.
Can't believe Paddy Ryan is getting that oportunity - he's been rubbish all season!
Genia and Horwill.....Nah! after their behaviour this week, and very poor form on top.. Two I really don't agree with IMveryHO!!!
Paramount on that list is Will Genia.
From his ill-tempered interview with Rod Kafer, through to his refusal to shake hands with the Lions and culminating with his storming off last weekend following the loss to the Rebels at Suncorp – something has begun to appear not quite right about Genia’s attitude.
On his day Genia is the best in the world. However, his days have been few and far between this season, and with his continued box-kicking outweighing his sniping, he continues to turn in ordinary performances.
While I don't want to focus on Nathan's disability because he's more than just a bloke with cystic fibrosis he must be the first person ever picked to represent his country professionally with cystic fibrosis.
And bloody good on him and the rest of the blokes
Well deserved