Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named Will Genia and Bernard Foley as vice-captains ahead of the opening Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium on August 19.

Foley will join Genia, who has already captained the Wallabies on four occasions, as they support the new appointment of Michael Hooper as the Australian captain.

The 78-Test halfback was the 78th man to captain the Wallabies when he led Australia against the United States of America at the 2011 Rugby World Cup while Foley has blossomed in recent years as a veteran of 45 caps and is currently the fifth-highest Test points scorer in Wallabies history.

“Will and Bernard are starting to find their voice as real leaders within the team and will be valuable assets to the captain in Michael,” Cheika said.

“They (Will and Bernard) have been selected because both of them are hungry to win and are prepared to keep both themselves and their team to the high standards required to take the Wallabies to be the best.”

Meanwhile, Michael Cheika has also finalised his 34-man squad for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test, with the Wallabies coach naming seven uncapped players.

Western Force centre Billy Meakes has earned his first squad selection following an outstanding season in Super Rugby, while young Melbourne hooker Jordan Uelese bolts into the squad after a standout World U20s Championships earlier this year.

Uncapped Reds trio Izack Rodda, Adam Korczyk and Izaia Perese will also press for selection in Cheika’s matchday 23, with the squad to assemble in Cessnock, New South Wales this Sunday.

Wallabies 34-man squad for the opening two Bledisloe Cup Tests