Overview

• Joe Schmidt praised Gordon’s skill set, discipline and commitment as qualities that make him a frontrunner for Wallabies captaincy.
• Gordon started all nine Tests under Schmidt last year, edging out Tate McDermott and Nic White for the halfback role.
• A squad of up to 40 players will be announced before the July 6 Test against Fiji in Newcastle as part of final preparations.
• Schmidt plans to draw talent from all four Super Rugby franchises to avoid over-reliance on Brumbies performers.
• The British and Irish Lions begin their Australian tour at Perth’s Optus Stadium on June 28 after facing Argentina in Dublin, with a three-Test series to follow