The Prague Post - Wilson captain, Slipper absent in Kiss's first Wallabies squad

The former Queensland Reds coach Kiss has taken over from Joe Schmidt on the back of a 57-10 thrashing of Italy in the Nations Championship last week.

It snapped a six-game losing streak at the end of a disappointing tenure by the New Zealander.

Schmidt's two-and-a-half year reign garnered just 12 wins from 31 Tests, with Kiss having only 14 months before the World Cup on home soil to mould the team into serious contenders.

The Reds' Henry was the only uncapped player in the 34-man squad for back-to-back Tests against Japan in Osaka on August 8 and Townsville a week later, with the injured Len Ikitau (ankle) ruled out.

Slipper, the 154-Test veteran who came out of retirement at Schmidt's request for the Nations Championship, was a key absentee.

He supported starting loosehead prop Angus Bell in all three games against Ireland, France and Italy, but is reportedly being rested. Isaac Kailea was instead included.

Wilson, who made clear this week that he wanted to remain captain under Kiss, keeps the role despite speculation that Reds skipper Fraser McReight could be given the nod.

Kiss also handed a reprieve to lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto -- another Reds player -- who was snubbed by Schmidt in his final three Tests.

Hooker Josh Nasser and inside centre Hunter Paisami return having missed last weekend's Test against Italy in Perth, as does fly-half Carter Gordon, who was injured for the France and Italy games.

"Selection is always a challenging process, but as coaches we've looked to bring together a group based on form, cohesion and how we want to play the game," said Kiss.

"Spending time with the group over the last few weeks alongside (assistants) Scott McLeod and Jonny Fisher has been incredibly valuable as we look to hit the ground running.

"It's been encouraging to see how tight they are as a group and how hard they work for each other and the gold jersey.

"The challenge now is for everyone to roll up their sleeves and find a new level of consistency."

Australia squad:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Miles Amatosero, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (capt)

Backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright

B.Barton--TPP