Wycliff Palu and Christian Leali'ifano were two high-profile omissions from a 31-man Wallabies squad announced Friday ahead of Australia's Rugby Championship opener next Saturday against South Africa in Brisbane.
The other seven players left out from the initial 40-man squad were Dave Dennis, James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Samu Kerevi, Toby Smith, Henry Speight and Nic White.
Palu is expected to play some part in the tournament but has had several recent injuries.
The squad has two uncapped players: Rory Arnold and Taqele Naiyaravoro.
"There were obviously some really tough calls to make," Australia head coach Michael Cheika said. "We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season."
The Rugby World Cup will be played in September and October in England and Wales.
The cuts came after the original 40-man squad held a week-long camp on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane.
"I have had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment," Cheika said. "It's given me great confidence knowing we're establishing some depth in key positions."
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Australia squad: Rory Arnold, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Stephen Moore (captain), Drew Mitchell, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Dean Mumm, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane.
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