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Don’t be surprised if the lowly Reds upset the Brumbies in Canberra tonight, with giant lock Lukhan Tui showing the way.
The 19-year-old, who has only been playing rugby for two years, has just returned from the Under-20 World Cup, where he was outstanding in a disappointing Australian performance.
Sure, Super Rugby is a vastly different ball game, but talent is talent at any level.
I expect Tui to be named in the Wallaby squad for the Rugby Championship, in a position that was sadly lacking in the 3-0 whitewash by England.
Tonight will also see the welcome return of lock Kane Douglas off the bench to make his Reds debut after eight months on the sideline since the Rugby World Cup final.
It’s been a tough time for Douglas after knee surgery, and he’s keen to make up for lost time. Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will be just as keen to see how Douglas re-surfaces.
The lock position was one of the problem positions against England, as Tui and Douglas join the genuine Rugby Championship contenders.
The Wallabies have never boasted tall timbers in such numbers:
Rory Arnold – 208 centimetres and 120 kilograms
Adam Coleman – 204 centimetres and 122 kilograms
Will Skelton – 203 centimetres and 140 kilograms
Kane Douglas – 202 centimetres and 123 kilograms
Caderyn Neville – 202 centimetres and 120 kilograms
Sam Carter – 201 centimetres and 116 kilograms
Rob Simmons – 200 centimetres and 115 kilograms
And Lukhan Tui – 198 centimetres and 121 kilograms
I’ve left Dean Mumm (196 centimetres and 109 kilograms) out of contention through lack of form, but he may force his way back if he fires for the Waratahs during the final three rounds of Super Rugby.
But he’s a long way behind the eight ball.
Simmons will be missing tonight with a knee injury that might kill his Rugby Championship chances. But he is the senior lock and line-out caller, so Cheika will give him every chance to retain his berth.
With only three rounds to go before the Super Rugby finals, the Brumbies and Waratahs are locked on 34 points at the top of the Australian conference.
Only one will qualify for the finals series, with the Brumbies leading on points for and against difference, 91 to 68.
The Brumbies’ three rounds – the Reds in Canberra, Blues at Eden Park, and the Force in Canberra.
The Waratahs have the tougher draw, with the Sunwolves in Tokyo, Hurricanes at Allianz, and the Blues at Eden Park.