Explosive back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be fit to face the British & Irish Lions after being named in the Wallabies squad for a Test against Fiji, but three experienced players were left out.

The 21-year-old former rugby league star has recovered from a fractured jaw and was named by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt in his 36-man squad for the Fiji clash on 6 July, their only warm-up before three Tests against the Lions.

Suaalii had surgery in May after being injured playing for the Waratahs, sparking concerns he could miss at least the first Lions Test on 19 July.

The experienced trio of James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koirobetewere left out, with lock Will Skelton the only overseas-based player included.

“Selection is always tight and there’ll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,” Schmidt said. “As coaches there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we’ve selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.”

Force loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies flying wing Corey Toole were given their first call-ups.

“There’s some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players who have forced their way into the mix,” said Schmidt.

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Waratahs hooker David Porecki was recalled for the first time since captaining the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, where they failed to progress past the pool stage for the first time.

De Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White will not join the squad until after the Force’s match against the Lions on 28 June.

Wallabies squad:

Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson , Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

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Photo: Matt King/Getty Images