“What we’ve said is that Wallabies Test matches are our absolute priority, that we want to win,” Horne said.
“They go into camp … and then it’s just really up to Joe [Schmidt], okay, what players in the squad should be available? We would work it out individually based on that.
“And then we have an approach where we want to make sure that our provincial games are competitive, and we’re putting out good quality teams.
“The same goes for those AUNZ and also the First Nations/Pasifika games. So, if there are players that are in the Wallabies squad, and we think that it’s in their best interest to have game time, then they’ll be made available.
“If we carry 36, not everyone can play right? So there is flexibility.”
Horne said the make-up of the AUNZ squad would be a mix of local Australian players, some overseas-based Australians and Japan-based Kiwi players. Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster was recruited as an assistant coach last week, and it is expected more coaches will be appointed from among Australia’s Super Rugby teams.
Foster said last week he anticipated Rugby Australia would use the fixture to give game time to fringe Wallabies and instil experience into young Aussies.
“They’ll look at the state of their squad once the Wallabies are picked and then say, ‘OK, well, let’s make sure that these 10, 12, 13 players go in’,” Foster said.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is making his return for the Waratahs.Credit: Getty Images
“But there is the chance to maybe put a few younger up-and-coming Australian players with some older heads, maybe some ex-All Blacks and then maybe try and find a few older Wallaby heads.”
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Meanwhile, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been named to make his return for the Waratahs at outside centre against the Hurricanes on Friday night. With Andrew Kellaway rested, Max Jorgensen has moved to fullback and Warringah rookie Archie Saunders will make his debut on the wing after excellent form for the NSW “A” team.
Lock Miles Amatosero will also make his return to the side, with Hugh Sinclair rested.
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