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WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie says Melbourne Rebels lock Luke Jones has all the capabilities to become a long-term national team player.
The 23-year-old, who on Thursday was selected in the 32-man squad to face France in a three-Test series starting next month, has played every game for the Rebels this season and has been one of Super Rugby's best-performed Australian forwards.
Initially signed as a teenager by the Western Force, Jones came to Melbourne in 2011 and last year signed a new contract which will keep him at the Rebels until 2016.
Jones is yet to make his international debut, but McKenzie said he is ready.
"He wouldn't be in the squad if we didn't think he was capable," McKenzie said.
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"I like footballers that play consistently. As a coach, you someone to go out there and play the same to the same level all the time.
"He ticks the box in attack and defence, carries the ball and is consistent every week. He was doing it as well last year so we were looking at him then. He's not just a guy that played well one week and we thought 'let's pick him', he's actually been playing well for a period of time."
McKenzie also said Jones' versatility made him a valuable asset.
"He can play in the back row as well," he said.
"Over time, if he can play four positions as opposed to two then that makes him more selectable so that's an advantage in my eyes."
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Debate continues to rage as to who McKenzie will choose as his captain against the French.
Australian legend John Eales put forward NSW Waratahs hooker Michael Hooper, while James Horwill, Will Genia and Stephen Moore are also names that have been thrown around.
McKenzie said Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham is in contention as well.
"There's a whole bunch of guys who have got leadership potential.
"Everyone can lead, the whole team can lead in terms of the way they function and the way they behave on and off the field. Ultimately you've got to have a captain and a vice-captain after we get together on June 1, Sunday week, we'll announce the captain on the Monday."
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A proud Victorian, McKenzie said he was pleased with the ongoing development in his home state.
He said the recent success of Victoria's under 15 team in the Junior Gold Cup competition was particularly impressive.
"There's always been a strong club structure here, but there wasn't a direct pathway to the Wallabies, generally you had to head north and that's what I did.
"But now we have that through the Rebels so you can play juniors here and see an obvious pathway to get to the national team."
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