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With the first trials for Australia’s Super Rugby franchises only weeks away I’ve put together a list of the Wallaby candidates I think are capable of putting pressure on the incumbent players in 2014.
Some of the players I’ve listed have played plenty of Tests but are returning from injury so they are obvious – others were involved with the Wallabies in 2013 but will be aiming to become a regular.
There are certainly other players who could feature for the Wallabies but these are the players I think are the most likely.
Loosehead Prop
Toby Smith showed with his performances for the Chiefs that he is already a serious contender for an immediate call up. He has big match experience and I expect he’ll make a real difference for the Rebels.
Scott Sio showed a lot of promise in Super Rugby last year playing for the Brumbies but was a little disappointing when he did get his opportunities for the Wallabies. I really like his physical approach and I think he’s got tremendous potential but he’s still got a bit to learn.
Albert Anae could fall into the prop or hooker category dependent on how the Reds use him. He’s another whose physical approach offers plenty and there’s still a lot of development left in him.
How will Benn Robinson react to spending the vast majority of 2013 on the bench for the Wallabies? I think he’s still got more to offer but will have to lift his game to hold off the challengers or to be contention again for the starting position.
Hooker
I think this is going to be a watershed year for Tatafu Polota-Nau because there have to be serious questions about his durability after such a run of injuries. We all know the impact he’s had in the past but is he still an impact player or will he have to temper his approach a little to stay on the field?
Siliva Siliva from the Brumbies looks like a good prospect but may be hindered by having to sit on the bench behind Stephen Moore. He’s very raw but could surprise a few people.
James Hanson is a good player who’s already played for the Wallabies but will be in a real dog fight this year to start ahead of Saia Fainga’a for the Reds and may also come under pressure from Albert Anae. I’m interested to see whether he can take another step up.
Tighthead Prop
Here’s a real problem area for the Wallabies. I can’t name a player that I think has real potential in this position in the short term.
Many of you will name Paddy Ryan but I’m underwhelmed by what I’ve seen from him. I’ve got no doubt he may be in line as a backup but I don’t see him genuinely pressuring Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander or James Slipper.
I would like to see Scott Sio and Albert Anea being developed at tighthead by the Brumbies and Reds to see whether they can become an option.
Locks
The popular candidate here is Hugh Pyle and I agree that he looks like he’s got potential but only if his coaches change his playing style so that he plays in tight. You cannot have one of your locks playing as wide as he does for the Rebels up against top international teams.
Will Skelton is an exciting prospect but is very raw. The small glimpses we’ve seen of him throwing that big frame around hint at him having the physicality the Wallabies need. The questions are can he keep developing and will his body stand up to the punishment?
Flankers
Despite a history of injuries I still think Hugh McMeniman has more to offer the Wallabies. His skills and physicality have been proven but can he stay off the injured list?
I’ve said many times that the Wallabies need David Pocock’s physicality if they’re going to compete with the All Blacks and Springboks. I’ve no doubt that he can regain his previous form but how long will it take?
Liam Gill is a very talented player but he’s going to have to play even better given David Pocock and Michael Hooper are ahead of him. He probably needs to improve his impact in attack to challenge for a position in the coming years.
Number Eight
The questions for Wycliff Palu are similar to those for Tatafu Polota-Nau. Can he overcome the all too regular injuries and can he still offer the impact he used to?
Scott Higginbotham had his best year in Super Rugby last year until he suffered that injury. I expect he’ll regain that form from last year and we’ll see a great battle between he and Palu for the Wallabies number eight jersey.
Halfback
Luke Burgess hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2011 and I wasn’t overly impressed with the matches I saw him play in France. Does he still have the potential to be a Wallaby again? If he does play well for the Rebels I think he’s a chance to be the third halfback.
Flyhalf
Bernard Foley played well last year for the Waratahs and in his brief appearances for the Wallabies. I expect Michael Cheika will select him at flyhalf again for the Waratahs this year ahead of Kurtley Beale. If so and he plays well he’ll have a good shot at making the Wallabies squad again this year.
Christian Leali’ifano played at number twelve last year but I don’t think his Wallaby performances suggest he’s a front runner for that position. Instead I think he’s a better fit at flyhalf but that all depends on whether that’s where he plays for the Brumbies.
Centres
Ben Tapuai didn’t have a great 2013 but if he can regain his 2012 form he’ll be a genuine option for the Wallabies. There have been reports that he’s really knuckling down for a big year with the Reds so it will be interesting to see his form.
Kyle Godwin is considered a certain future Wallaby by many people. He’s certainly a talent but there’s plenty of competition at number twelve so let’s see if he can produce another good year and force his way into the squad.
It’s been mooted that Israel Folau will play at number thirteen for the Waratahs. For the good of Australian rugby I’d rather see him keep developing at fullback. However, if he does play in the centres it will be fascinating to see how quickly he can adapt and I have no doubt he will make a very good fist of it.
Wingers
Henry Speight is the winger most fans would like to see in the Wallabies but his eligibility still doesn’t appear clear. Until that is sorted out he just needs to keep performing as well as he has been for the Brumbies.
Chris Feuai-Sautia is very raw but I think he’ll end up being a special player. He’ll really have to lift his game up another notch or two to become a regular Wallaby option this year.
I like what we’ve seen from Cam Crawford from the Waratahs. He’s a big strong runner and could develop into a real weapon on the wing but first he’ll have to secure a starting spot for the Waratahs.
Fullback
Where Kurtley Beale plays for the Waratahs is the first question we need to see answered. Then he needs to play consistently well and improve his defence before I believe he’s going to be in line for a Wallabies role. If the off field issues are under control he could be in for a big year as he seeks to get back to his 2010 and 2011 heights.
Richard Graham had hinted that Lachlan Turner would play fullback for the Reds and I think that would be a good move. I still think he’s got something to offer the Wallabies but I’ve heard he’s been training primarily as a winger so far in pre-season so I’m looking forward to the trials to see what the plans are.
Jesse Mogg deserved a place in the Wallabies last year but unfortunately he couldn’t grab his opportunity. Hopefully he can hit the reset button and have another good season for the Brumbies to earn another chance.
Who are you most looking forward to watching in Super Rugby that may be a Wallaby candidate this year?