Aussies axe Finegan

Veteran flanker Owen Finegan was the biggest omission from Australia’s World Cup squad announced in Sydney today.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones also axed inside centre Steve Kefu and prop Patricio Noriega from the 30-man squad that will attempt to become the first side to successfully retain the World Cup.

Jones included uncapped duo Matt Dunning and John Roe, the latter taking Toutai Kefu’s place in the squad after he was ruled out with a broken shoulder.

There were also recalls for Nathan Grey and loose forward Matt Cockbain.

Australia World Cup squad:

Backs: Chris Latham (Queensland), Joe Roff (ACT), Matt Burke (NSW) Wendell Sailor (Queensland), Lote Tuqiri (NSW), Mat Rogers (NSW), Stirling Mortlock (ACT), Morgan Turinui (NSW), Nathan Grey (NSW), Elton Flatley (Queensland), Stephen Larkham (ACT), Matt Giteau (ACT) George Gregan (captain, ACT), Chris Whitaker (NSW).

Forwards: David Lyons (NSW), John Roe (Queensland), George Smith (ACT), Phil Waugh (NSW), David Croft (Queensland), Matt Cockbain (Queensland), David Giffin (ACT), Nathan Sharpe (Queensland), Dan Vickerman (NSW), Justin Harrison (NSW), Ben Darwin (ACT), Al Baxter (NSW), Bill Young (ACT), Matt Dunning (NSW), Brendan Cannon (NSW), Jeremy Paul (ACT).