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Australia name newly-qualified Sefa Naivalu in 30-man squad

Sefa Naivalu will be eligible to play for Australia from September 18
Image: Sefa Naivalu became eligible to play for Australia from September 18

Australia have named Sefa Naivalu in their squad for the final two rounds of matches of this year's Rugby Championship.

The Fiji-born winger was selected for the 30-man squad, just four days after becoming eligible to play for the Wallabies. His three years as a resident of Australia qualifies him to play for the national team.

Uncapped hooker Tolu Latu has also been called up for matches against Argentina and South Africa, and replaces his New South Wales team-mate Tatafu Polota-Nau, who is being rested because of an arm injury.

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Aussies' coach Michael Cheika said in a statement: "It is disappointing for Tatafu who has been one of the most consistent and valued members of our finishers off the bench, but he needs time to get his body right and we respect that.

"With injury comes opportunity, and this is the opportunity now for Tolu to make his step up to international rugby."

Meanwhile, winger Drew Mitchell, lock Will Skelton and back-rower Ben McCalman have all been released after recent injuries, while another absentee is Matt Toomua who continues to recover from concussion.

Cheika added: "We're happy with how Drew and Ben are progressing. The best thing for both players is to play some regular rugby to get themselves back to full form and fitness."

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Michael Cheika coach of the Wallabies during an Australian Wallabies training session at Central Coast Stadium on August 1
Image: Aussie coach Michael Cheika has called up two uncapped players

Nick Frisby is included as cover at scrum-half behind Will Genia and Nick Phipps. Sean McMahon and Lopeti Timani will compete for the back-row position vacated by the injured David Pocock.

Timani made his debut against Argentina in Perth last week, while McMahon took the field as a replacement for Pocock who suffered a broken hand.

Australia will face South Africa in Pretoria on October 1, before flying to England to take on Argentina at Twickenham six days later.

Australia: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Quade Cooper, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, James Hanson, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Tolu Latu, Sean McMahon, Stephen Moore (c), Luke Morahan, Dean Mumm, Sefania Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Tom Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Henry Speight, Lopeti Timani.

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