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James Horwill left out of Australia's Rugby World Cup squad

James Horwill is not included in Australia's 31-man squad for next month's Rugby World Cup.

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has opted against selecting former captain James Horwill in his squad for the Rugby World Cup.

The 30-year-old was one of the players who helped his nation win this year's Rugby Championship, but there is no place for the lock in the World Cup, which gets underway next month.

Prop Toby Smith, who is yet to receive an international cap, and flanker Sean McMahon have been included in the 31-man party.

"It's important that we select a squad that will handle the tournament play and our draw in particular at the Rugby World Cup, as well as maintain a strong competition for places in the team," Cheika told reporters.

Australia are in Pool A alongside England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay.

Australia Rugby World Cup squad:

Forwards: Stephen Moore - C (96 Tests), Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests), Greg Holmes (17 Tests), Sekope Kepu (56 Tests), Scott Sio (9 Tests), James Slipper (66 Tests), Toby Smith (uncapped), Kane Douglas (15 Tests), Dean Mumm (36 Tests), Rob Simmons (52 Tests), Will Skelton (11 Tests), Scott Fardy (24 Tests), Michael Hooper - VC (45 Tests), Ben McCalman (40 Tests), Sean McMahon (3 Tests), Wycliff Palu (55 Tests), David Pocock (50 Tests)

Backs: Will Genia (59 Tests), Nick Phipps (31 Tests), Quade Cooper (55 Tests), Bernard Foley (17 Tests), Kurtley Beale (52 Tests), Matt Giteau (95 Tests), Matt Toomua (25 Tests), Adam Ashley-Cooper - VC (108 Tests), Israel Folau (33 Tests), Rob Horne (26 Tests), Drew Mitchell (65 Tests), Henry Speight (3 Tests), Joe Tomane (15 Tests), Tevita Kuridrani (24 Tests)

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New Australian Wallabies rugby union coach Michael Cheika smiles as he speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney on October 22, 2014
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