Leading up to the Rugby World Cup, it will be vital to have a plethora of players to choose from that are fit and ready to go – even if they are playing 20 minutes off the bench.
These are some of the names I would like to see, based on their performances in the Super Rugby so far).
Tom English, 28, Rebels (Centre)
With the Melbourne Rebels having a squad packed with quality, and currently leading the Australian conference, it is no surprise that English, the most-capped Rebel, is my number one choice to debut for the Wallabies this year.
English currently has five tries this season, equal with fullback Reece Hodge.
Pushing off the back of a decent season last year with both the Rebels and Melbourne Rising, English is having his best season by far. Quade Cooper and Will Genia deserve some of the credit, however, English has certainly capitalised on the improved side.
The former sevens player has scored more tries in Super Rugby than any previous season. He has clocked up some good run metres as well.
English’s success will surely grow as the Rebels continue on. The only thing left for him is a Wallabies call-up.
Billy Meakes, 28, Rebels (Centre, Wing)
Following on from English is teammate Bill Meakes. Meakes has more experience, playing in England and for the Western Force, and has three tries this season.
Meakes on paper, however, offers more insurance. He is a better stop in defence as he has 67 tackles, second only to Luke Jones, and has a tackle success rate of 85 per cent, compared to English’s 34 tackles with a success rate of 76 per cent.
The Wallabies are going to want a solid defence at the World Cup and Meakes certainly offers that.
Lachlan McCaffrey, 29, Brumbies (Flank)
There is no doubt McCaffrey is having a good year. He is a great ball-runner and isn’t shy of getting a try here and there. He also has some experience playing in England for Leicester Tigers.
However, McCaffrey is prone to injury and, going into a World Cup, that will be the last thing Michael Cheika, or any coach, would want.
Anaru Rangi, 30, Rebels (Hook)
With the Brumbies’ try-scoring Folau Fainga’a and veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau, it’s tough seeing who could replace them. But New Zealand-born Rangi has put his hand up for Wallabies selection, being a big-bolting player for the Rebels.
Unfortunately for Rangi, his age and lack of experience may see him overlooked, especially when compared to Fainga’a.
But Melbourne’s performances this year have given them a spotlight. It would be a shame if Cheika didn’t capitalise on it.
Tom Wright, 21, Brumbies (Centre)
New face Tom Wright has scored two tries this season, after playing only three games in his Super Rugby debut year. He hasn’t done a whole lot yet, however, he has electrifying pace and is a versatile, young player with vast experience.
No wonder the Brumbies were keen to sign him from rugby league.
His age is a great benefit to his club and will put them in good stead for the future. Hopefully he can turn it into a Wallaby cap in the near future.
amband
Roar Rookie
Wright deserves to be in the squad. Those rolling mauls by Brumbies forwards are impressive. Should take em too
amband
Roar Rookie
Why do journos call new players " debutantes ". Historically, debutantes are young women introduced to society for the first time
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Harry Johnson-Holmes .... currently playing better than any other loose head prop including Sio and Slipper
Wombat
Guest
I’m glad your not a selector ????
Banjo Kelly
Guest
Like the topic and your article Ryan but think only McCaffey will get picked. He is real footballer ie can really read a game. Our obsession with size and the gym has seen us miss out on this bloke for most of his career. Ahead of the rest as the rookie selections will be Tate McDermott, Naisarani and Johnson-Holmes for mine.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Ryan I agree with your picks except for Wright - he's not ready yet imo. He's a bit error prone and still learning the game - maybe next yr :)
Zado
Guest
Alex Newsome ? no no no . Let`s just pick players who play in their position for once ,no musical chairs anymore.
Nambawan
Roar Rookie
Tom Wright -"vast experience" - don't think so. He failed at Manly League - was only picked once for a run on role and was hooked after about 20 minutes being quite out of his depth. Nevertheless he does have talent and speed and I concede he was not managed well by Manly ( during a very dark period for that club).
Realist
Guest
It’s a bit harsh comparing English to Debrezini. English has been a consistently solid player for several seasons whereas Debrezini absolutely sucked for the most part. Debrezini was a bit like Beale - when he’s bad, he’s really, really bad
Ryan
Roar Rookie
With Folau most likely not playing for the Wallabies, No. 15 will probably be Hodge. Which could also open up an opportunity for Alex Newsome, who is yet to be capped, and, like Billy Meakes, was one of the talented bunch of Western Force players before the club was axed from SR. I have been wanting to see Tom English in the green and gold jersey for a little while now. For the last two years English has played well with the Rebels in the SR, as well as with the Melbourne Rising in the NRC. Unfortunate to see such a loyal player not get rewarded. Same for Meakes. Has great ability, and can defend pretty well (unlike Samu Kerevi).
Rugby wizard
Guest
My top pick out of the 5 is Rangi. Still strongly believe that if we have any chance of winning the RWC Giteau law should be removed,would rather go with these 5. 1.Nayavaro 2.JOC 3.Mcmahon 4.Morahan 5.Hansen-even though not a regular at his team currently,played okay at international level. Another mention is Godwin especially if QC is 10,has a bit more than Meakes left boot too name one, and will definitely defend well. He was made for test rugby unfortunately got one start after a 100 percent tackle success in his debut.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Meakes and McAffery would be ideal men to take in a tour party and even to the World Cup. Both are reliable rugby players and would do their core roles really well at International level. They also are very workmen like. The Wallabies need a couple of solid roll your sleeves up type players.
Rob9
Roar Guru
Obviously this one suggestion for 5 2019 debutants and there’s arguments for a few more worth considering; but isn’t it somewhat concerning that 4 of these 5 potential Wallaby newbies are very late 20’s/early 30’s?
Froggy
Roar Rookie
Tom Wright had a good game last week but still needs experience. What about Luke Jones. To my knowledge he is uncapped but the best #6 currently playing in Australia.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Naisarani is your big omission. There is very little depth at 8 so much so that Pocock gets pushed into that position.
PeterK
Roar Guru
IMO Rangi is playing better than BPA who rarely gets a start at the reds.
Boomeranga
Roar Rookie
I'll be pretty angry if they drop Hanrahan.
Don
Roar Rookie
McCaffrey - yes. We need that abrasive 6/8 man and no one else has stood higher than him this season. Reward him for the form and effort. English I am torn on. I’ve been advocating his selection for 2 seasons and was disgusted that Cheika found a way to take an old and slow AAC on tour last year and did not reward English for his good form. But there’s going to be some pressure on the 13 spot, particularly if Cheika has a playmaker at 12 because then Kerevi plays 13. The rest? Unfortunately No... Meakes is a good player but Kerevi is the first player picked in my book and he plays 12. Then you have guys like Hodge, CLL and Toomua in the same mix as the back up 12 or 10/12. And Hodge has proven he can play anywhere from 11 - 15 very well. Rangi is in solid form but Fainga’a and BPA are in front of him. And you know Cheika will find a way to put the undeserving TPN in there even if he’s using a Zimmer frame. Wright? Nope. 3 games. There’s guys we’ve seen in our test team who have performed well at all levels more deserving.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Wright in the future. English ahead of AAC ,Meakes ahead of Toomua, McCaffrey ahead of Dempsey or Hanrahan. Rangi ahead of all except Fainga. Good choices. All we need is a coach.
Wadsy
Guest
But the Wallabies get beaten convincingly every year by everyone. You would rather we stick with Cheikas no game and always lose than try to Wessels game plan with better players to execute it?