Veteran flank David Pocock and rookie wing Jordan Petaia have been included in the Wallabies’ 31-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Japan.

Pocock has made the cut despite not playing any rugby in over six months after struggling to recover from a niggling calf injury.

The 31-year-old recently returned to training with the Test side but did not get to see any action in either of the Bledisloe Cup matches in Perth and Auckland.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Queensland Reds rookie Petaia is the only bolter in the squad and will make his Test debut at the World Cup.

The 19-year-old has also struggled with a foot injury this year which has forced him to miss most of the Super Rugby season, but he is still highly rated by Australian pundits.

Of the 31-man squad, 18 will be featuring in their first Rugby World Cup campaign while 13 have been there at least once before.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will take three specialist hookers in Folau Fainga’a, Tolu Latu and Jordan Uelese, opting to leave Tatafu Polota-Nau behind.

There is also no room for Will Skelton despite speculation this week that the Saracens lock could be a late inclusion in the squad.

Cheika has taken a risk in the backline with Will Genia and Nic White the only two scrumhalves in the squad.

Ashley-Cooper will become just the second Wallaby behind George Gregan to play in a fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup, despite having played limited minutes in the Rugby Championship.

Wallabies World Cup squad:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Michael Hooper (c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese.

Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Matt Toomua, Nic White.