Wallabies opt for experience for European tour

Stirling Mortlock will captain the team. Picture / Reuters

SYDNEY - Australia rugby coach John Connolly has named an experienced 37-man squad for the Wallabies' four-test tour of Europe starting later this month.

Hooker Brendan Cannon and back-row forward David Lyons, both with 40 international caps, were recalled after recovering from injuries and centre Morgan Turinui also returns to the international fold.

Utility back Gene Fairbanks and lock James Horwill were the two uncapped players named in the party.

Centre Stirling Mortlock will captain the squad in the absence of the rested George Gregan although he will miss the test against Wales in Cardiff on November 4 with a knee injury.

Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Chris Latham and Stephen Larkham were named as vice-captains.

"We've picked the squad on form but we've also made some selections with a view to the future," Connolly said.

"It's important that we continue to broaden the squad in the lead-up to the World Cup but we are going with the expectation to win all four tests."

The Wallabies, who fly to London on October 27, are due to play Wales, Italy, Ireland and Scotland in November tests.

The squad will assemble for a six-day training camp at Coffs Harbour on Sunday.

Australia squad: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Al Baxter, Rodney Blake, Alister Campbell, Brendan Cannon, Mark Chisholm, Sam Cordingley, Rocky Elsom, Gene Fairbanks, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, Stephen Hoiles, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, David Lyons, Tai McIsaac, Hugh McMeniman, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Clyde Rathbone, Benn Robinson, Mat Rogers, Nathan Sharpe, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Morgan Turinui, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh.

- REUTERS