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Suaalii fit to face Lions after earning Wallabies call up for Fiji Test

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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been named in Australia's squad to face Fiji in their warm-up for the British and Irish Lions Tour, having fully recovered from a fractured jaw.

Suaalii suffered the injury in May after a collision with Waratah team-mate Andrew Kellaway and required surgery, which sparked concerns he could miss the opener against the Lions on July 19.

However, he declared himself "fully fit" last week and has been rewarded with a place in Joe Schmidt's 36-player squad for their clash with Fiji on July 6.

James O'Connor, who has made 64 appearances for the Wallabies, had been tipped to feature for Australia for the first time in three years, but has been left out of the squad, along with Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete.

All three are now expected to be left out for their three matches against the Lions.

Hooker David Porecki did get recalled to the squad for the first time since captaining the Wallabies in the 2023 World Cup.

Nick Champion De Crespigny earned his first call-up, but will not join up with Australia until after the Western Force's match against the Lions on June 28, along with Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White.

Australia 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.