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Opinion

Who are our best Wallabies prospects beyond 2020?

19th February, 2020
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Roar Guru
19th February, 2020
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We have had a few weeks to get a peek at some of the youngsters and the squads for this year.

Who do you think will stand up for the Wallabies in the key positions that need a lift?

There are many areas that have been poor over the last three years and flyhalf is the highest requirement.

My interest is in the pack, where I would like to see us with a hard working and powerful pack who retain our ball and win our set-piece.

Winning turnovers is an art we are a fair way off at the moment compared to the standard of New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and England.

At front row and hooker, we are not too bad in this area.

We need two workers in the second row. I was hoping the Brumbies would give us a look at Nick Frost. The Rebels’ Matt Philip could be in the mix and he made a mess of the Tahs’ lineout last week. I expected more from Izack Rodda this season but I have not seen the step up I expected from him.

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In the back row, we need an alternative to Michael Hooper if he is injured or out of selection. A six is critical and I have no idea who could be a strong contender. An eight is also needed. The Rebels’ Isi Naisarani should be a shoo-in but he blows a bit hot and cold. Based on this, eight is still open to contention.

At halfback, Nic White will be the first pick but who will back him up?

Nic White

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Tate McDermott or Joe Powell? I really liked what I saw from Ryan Louwrens but it’s too early to get excited.

At five-eighth, we need anyone who can catch, pass, read the game, take the ball to the line and defend. There are a couple of strong possible players in Will Harrison at the Tahs and Noah Lolesio at the Bumbies, but nothing to get too excited about just yet. By default, Matt Toomua at ten will not let the team down.

A reliable 12 and a smart defender at 13 is required in the centres. With Jordan Petaia injured for the season and injury worries about him, we need to settle on a 13 and soon.

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On the wings, we are okay but there are a few fast and talented youngsters coming through.

At fullback, Dane Haylett-Petty probably won’t be in contention for the next World Cup so we need one. Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks will be strong contenders for this position.

Like all of you, I am a bit excited this season. I’m not sure if we can let a couple of seasons go by without a stable, capable Wallabies team.

We need a team that’s hard working, knows what needs to be done to succeed and can win more than 50 per cent of their games this year.

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