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The two uncapped players who ‘really impressed’ Eddie Jones at Wallabies camp

By Finn Morton
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Coach Eddie Jones has revealed the two players who “really impressed” him during the three-day Wallabies camp on the Gold Coast earlier this week.

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Since signing with Rugby Australia on a five-year deal in January, legendary coach Eddie Jones has made some noise – and it’s been great for the sport Down Under.

Jones has been vocal in his desire to lure rugby league players over to the 15-player game, as well as helping the Wallabies return to their former glory.

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But after months of preparation, as the 63-year-old was regularly seen in the stands at Australian Super Rugby Pacific matches, Jones had his first opportunity to coach the national team this week.

Jones, who famously led the Wallabies to a Rugby World Cup final on home soil 20 years ago, named a star-studded squad ahead of a training camp in Queensland.

The squad included an exciting mix of experience and potential, with the super coach selecting six uncapped players in his initial squad.

Rebels stars Carter Gordon and Brad Wilkin were included, along with teenager Max Jorgensen, Reds centre Josh Flook, Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan, and rising star Blake Schoupp.

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While the Wallabies were forced into some late changes – which saw Schoupp ruled out – the camp appeared to be a success.

With this year’s Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Jones said he was particularly impressed with uncapped duo Carter Gordon and Brad Wilkin.

“Really positive mate,” Jones said on Stan Sport. “We’ve always said there’s a lot of talent here, we think there is.

“Dave Rennie has done a really good job in establishing the base of the team and now it’s the responsibility of the team to take that forward.

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“Carter was good, Carter Gordon, and (Brad) Wilkins the flanker. Both of those guys really impressed.

(Max Jorgensen) He’s quiet but he certainly makes some noise when he moves.”

The squad that assembled on the Gold Coast certainly packed a punch, but a number of players were ruled out on the eve of the camp.

Wallabies Ned Hanigan, David Porecki, Len Ikitau and Darcy Swain, as well as the uncapped Blake Schoupp, missed the camp due to concussion protocols.

Backrower Pete Samu and Langi Gleeson also missed out through injury, while overseas players didn’t take part in the camp in person.

As veteran prop James Slipper discussed, the talent in Australian rugby is “awesome” at the moment.

“The talents awesome,” Slipper said. “Especially the youth coming through, we’ve seen through Super Rugby there’s a couple of players that are really putting their hand up.

“I guess that’s what you need, World Cup year, you want your best players playing for the Wallabies.

“Hopefully everyone stays fit, the overseas boys keep working hard and if you’re lucky enough to be in the squad mate, you’ll have a crack.”

Eddie Jones has some pretty big goals for the Wallabies.

The Wallabies era under Jones will officially get underway in Pretoria in July, when the men in gold take on world champions South Africa.

Australia has never won there – but Jones appears to be full of confidence ahead of their attempt at history.

On top of that, Jones has set his sights on the Bledisloe Cup and the Webb Ellis Trophy.

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