Cooper out but Folau in for 25-man Wallabies

Code-hopper Israel Folau is one of three new caps in Australia’s preliminary 25-man squad to face the British and Irish Lions, with in-form Reds playmaker Quade Cooper the most notable omission.

Folau’s selection caps a remarkable rise for the former rugby league international after just 12 Super 15 appearances for the Waratahs since switching from AFL at the start of the season.

Brumbies captain Ben Mowen and inside centre Christian Lealiifano were the other new faces in the group. Experienced Brumbies flanker George Smith (knee) and Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (fractured arm) have both been overlooked, opening the door for Reds duo Liam Gill and Saia Fainga’a.