Wallabies to have joint captains

The Wallabies will have joint captains during their upcoming nine-match Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series with Phil Waugh and Stirling Mortlock to share leadership duties.

The Waratahs and Brumbies skippers will share duties during the matches against Wales, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa, after the 30-man squad was announced on Sunday.

The selectors have gone for a youth-orientated squad with 13 players under the age of 25, while 50 per cent of the squad has played 10 or fewer Tests. James Horwill, Julian Huxley, Digby Ioane and Sam Norton-Knight are the four players in the sqaud yet to make their debuts.

But it is likely to be the veteran scrumbase pairing of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, the two oldest men in the squad, who will capture the headlines, as they play their final matches on home soil.

The pair, which has 26 years of international experience along with 222 Test caps between them, will retire from international rugby after the World Cup in France.

Wallabies Coach John Connolly said that he expected it will be an emotional farewell tour for the two players.

"There's no doubt that we are seeing the end of two outstanding careers and rugby supporters and sporting fans around the country will rally to pay tribute to two of the game's greatest ever players," said Connolly.

"A series win over Wales and a Tri Nations victory would provide a fitting farewell for George and Stephen as they play their final season in Australia before embarking on the World Cup," he added.

The 25-man Australia A squad was also named, with Alister Campbell to captain and former rugby league star Clinton Schifcofske given his chance to impress.

The 30-man squad is: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alistair Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan, Stephen Hoiles, James Horwill, Julian Huxley, Digby Ioane, Stephen Larkham, David Lyons, Hugh McMeniman, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock (c), Sam Norton-Knight, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh (c).

Australia A for the iRB Pacific Nations Cup Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Rodney Blake, Will Caldwell, Alister Campbell (c), Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Gene Fairbanks, Gareth Hardy, Nic Henderson, Peter Hewat, Josh Holmes, Dean Mumm, Jeremy Paul, Junior Pelesasa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, David Pusey, Julian Salvi, Haig Sare, Clinton Schifcofske, Troy Takiari, Jone Tawake, Lachie Turner, Adam Wallace-Harrison.