Front row "tripod" among seven QR Reds in Wallaby squad

The QR Reds front-row "tripod" of Ben Daley, Laurie Weeks and Saia Faingaa are three of seven Reds named today in the Wallabies 30-man squad. The uncapped new recruits will join Reds captain and scrumhalf Will Genia, flyhalf Quade Cooper and outside back

Another four Reds and uncapped Wallabies - rookies Will Chambers and James Slipper, inside centre Anthony Faingaa and lock Rob Simmons – were also selected as members of the additional 10-man Australian Barbarians squad. The selection of 11 Reds players in total is a reflection of the success the team enjoyed this season, finishing in fifth place with eight wins and five losses, Queensland's best result since 2002. Daley, Weeks, and Faingaa formed an impressive combination during the Investec Bank Super Rugby season, dubbing themselves the “tripod” and celebrating scrum victories with a discreet, three way first-touching salute. Cooper’s selection capped a huge week for the talented 22-year-old playmaker, who was last night announced as the Investec Bank Super Rugby Player of the Year and the creator and finisher of the season's best Super 14 try. Genia, Hynes and Ioane, along with Cooper, were all integral members of the Wallabies in 2009 and now have a combined 52-Test caps. Chambers made a successful transition from rugby league in his first season of professional rugby at the Reds, earning 12 caps and eight starts at either wing or outside centre. After making his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in the opening game of the year and starting at loosehead prop against the Highlanders in the final round, 20-year old Slipper joins Chambers as a rookie in the Barbarians squad. The 2009 Australian Under 20 Player of the Year, Slipper will graduate from the QAS Reds Academy ranks next year to be part of the senior squad. Simmons, 21, made dramatic strides in his game as the season progressed and has now played for the Reds on 13 occasions after making his debut in 2009. The selection of twin brothers Saia and Anthony, arguably two of the biggest improvers for Queensland this season, is due recognition for the 2010 form of the pair, who have re-signed with the Reds for a further two seasons. In total, 17 uncapped players have been selected in the 40-man squad by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. “There’s no doubt that we’ve widened the base a little bit in terms of playing depth,” Deans said. “We needed to, and the progress we’ve made has shown through this year during the Super 14.” The Wallabies, which will again be led by Brumbies flanker Rocky Elsom, will play 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalist Fiji in Canberra on June 5, before playing back-to-back Cook Cup Tests against England in Perth on June 12, and Sydney on June 19. The Lansdowne Cup Test against Ireland follows in Brisbane on June 26, before a four-week recess ahead of the Tri Nations Series. The Barbarians play two Tour matches against England, in Perth on June 8 and in Gosford on June 15. Wallabies squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Mark Chisholm, Quade Cooper, Pekahou Cowan, Ben Daley, Rocky Elsom, Huia Edmonds, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Stephen Hoiles, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Salesi Ma’afu, Drew Mitchell, Dean Mumm, James O’Connor, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Nathan Sharpe, Lachie Turner, Josh Valentine, Laurie Weeks. Australian Barbarians squad: Will Chambers, Mitchell Chapman, Nick Cummins, Kane Douglas, Anthony Faingaa, Damien Fitzpatrick, Ben McCalman, Pat McCutcheon, Rob Simmons, James Slipper.