We’ve now all seen enough of Super Rugby AU to pick a Wallaby side on form.
It’s impossible to know what Dave Rennie makes of it all so far, but I’d say he felt mighty relieved watching the Brumbies against the Reds on Saturday. Finally, a top-class game of rugby the equal of those we see regularly across the Tasman.
To be honest, when Rennie picks his side I hope he grasps the nettle and goes with both Australian-based players and youth. There is an astonishingly good crop of 18 to 24-year-olds who need to be promoted ahead of the likes of Rob Simmons and Kurtley Beale. Other players like Izack Rodda, Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi are rightly not eligible.
If ever there was a moment to take a chance and give the new generation time to bed in as a squad it is during a disrupted Test schedule that may be severely impacted for the next 12-24 months.
My selection is who I think should be picked on form, not necessarily who I think will be picked. For example, I’m sure Dave Rennie will be hesitant to pick too green a pack which may spell great news for Michael Hooper.
While there is plenty of promise in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, the 23-man side below is dominated by the Brumbies and the Reds who are the leading side and form side respectively.
Front row
The Brumbies are perhaps the best exponents of the highly controversial but effective rolling maul in provincial rugby. More importantly, they have a hooker who can throw straight(ish) and a functioning lineout.
Although the Reds starting front row is more than competent and the Force props have been resilient at the set-piece, it is impossible to deny the Brumbies front row is the best in Australia.
Starters: Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a, Allan Alaalatoa
Reserves: James Slipper, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou
Squad: Jordan Uelese, Chris Heiberg, Maurice Longbottom
Locks
Kane Douglas and James Horwill are long gone. Simmons is off to London Irish but will be eligible for selection. Rodda and Skelton remain offshore and short of the 60 caps needed to be considered. Both would be starters or at least in the 23 if playing Super Rugby.
Enter Nick Frost, a 2.06m ex-Crusader development squad 20-year-old and Fergus Lee-Warner, who has carried and locked with character and passion for the Force. They are not ready to face down the Eben Etzebeths, Sam Whitelocks and Maro Itojes of this world but, along with Queensland’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, they are the form locks of Super Rugby AU.
Starters: Nick Frost, Fergus Lee-Warner
Reserve: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Squad: Angus Blyth, Matt Philip
Back row
Liam Wright has been outstanding both as a leader and player for the Reds. Solid at the line-out (when hookers are throwing straight) and good in close he reminds me of Scott Fardy. He beats out Lachlan Swinton of the Waratahs who has been abrasive and willing, if a little ill-disciplined.
Seven is the perennial dog fight at the selection table. It’s no different this year. For me, Will Miller and perhaps even Fraser McReight have been better than Michael Hooper during Super Rugby AU. McReight is still a little too raw and needs to learn not every breakdown is a turnover opportunity but, barring injury, will probably play seven at the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and 2027. Miller pips McReight for on-field maturity.
The form number eight of the competition must be Harry Wilson. He has outshone both Pete Samu and Isi Naisarani, especially with his incisive running and ball carrying. He plays in s style reminiscent of Toutai Kefu and will grow into his body as he ages.
Starters: Liam Wright, Will Miller, Harry Wilson
Reserve: Isi Naisarani
Squad: Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Fraser McReight, Pete Samu
Scrumhalf
Will Genia is gone and it has to be said there is a huge opening for Nic White once he gets back in the Super Rugby groove.
Nic White. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Picking on form and out of Super Rugby AU, the form no.9 is Joe Powell of the Brumbies closely followed by Tate McDermott of the Reds. Both very similar players who no doubt will be looking over their shoulders as White makes a run at the side from the wider squad.
Starter: Joe Powell
Reserve: Tate McDermott
Squad: Nic White
Flyhalf
There has been a lot of talk about the now-injured Noah Lolesio and Waratah youngster Will Harrison. Fact is both Matt Toomua and James O’Connor have performed miles better, to such an extent that you can’t promote youth ahead of them.
Starter: Matt Toomua
Reserve: James O’Connor
Squad: Noah Lolesio, Will Harrison
Centres
My pick at 12, based on form, is James O’Connor. He is the perfect compliment to Toomua and just because he has played with a 10 on his back makes no difference. These days it’s interchangeable.
If we are picking 13 on the form then it must be Hunter Paisami. He has taken his chance at the Reds following injury to Jordan Petaia and deserves first crack at the jumper. His hard running, aggressive style is just what the Wallabies need to straighten the attack.
Starters: James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami
Squad: Tevita Kuridrani, Jordan Petaia
James O’Connor. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Wingers
The best winger in Super Rugby AU this year is not even a contest – Tom Wright of the Brumbies. Immensely impressive and has everyone’s attention. Marika Koroibete is a distant second best, while Reece Hodge makes the bench due to his versatility and kicking.
Starters: Tom Wright, Marika Koroibete
Reserve: Reece Hodge
Squad: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Filipo Daugunu
Fullback
All five fullbacks have played beautifully and deserve consideration. Jack Maddocks beats out both Tom Banks and Jock Campbell on form and size respectively. Campbell definitely has something about him but is too slight to play full back at Test level just yet. Banks’ form has tailed off leaving the versatile but dynamic Maddocks as most worthy.
Starter: Jack Maddocks
Reserve: Tom Banks
Squad: Dane Haylett-Petty
My form Wallaby side
1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Fergus Lee-Warner, 6. Liam Wright (c), 7. Will Miller, 8. Harry Wilson; 9. Will Powell, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Tom Wright, 12. James O’Connor, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Marika Koroibete, 15. Jack Maddocks
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. James Slipper, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20. Isi Naisarani, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Tevita Kuridrani, 23. Reece Hodge
40-man squad
Hooker: Jordan Uelese
Props: Chris Heiberg, Maurice Longbottom
Locks: Angus Blyth, Matt Philip
Back Row: Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Fraser McReight, Pete Samu
Halves: Nic White, Will Harrison, Noah Lolesio
Centre: Jordan Petaia*
Back three: Mark Nawaquanitawase, Filipo Daugunu, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tom Banks
(*Toomua, O’Connor, Paisami, Kuridrani, Hodge and Maddocks can all play centre if needed.)
Unders
Roar Pro
Stick w Hooper- he's still one of the best players in the world. You wouldn't drop Steve Smith if he wasn't performing as well for NSW as he did Aus. Hooper will start 7 at 2023 and Wright 6.
Vic
Guest
In my mind there is a whole bunch of bizarre calls in there. For example, who is not going to start Tupou, the best scrummaging and ball running prop in the country who also has the ability to play the full 80? Weird. Hooper misses out. Valetini not even mentioned. Maddocks at 15? :? Powell at 9? :?
ALG90
Roar Rookie
My pick: 1. Sio 2. Faniga'a 3. Tupou (he has to start) 4. Phillip (need experience at lock) 5. Salakaia-Loto (now has experience - always had go forward) 6. Valenti (need a proper 6 rather than going back to 2 x 7's) 7. Wright (has to be chosen in his best position - captain) 8. Naisarani (Wilson needs more experience so off the bench) 9. White (for experience) 10. O'Connor (more attacking punch that Toomua - goal kicker - vice captain) 11. Wright (best winger in Aust this year - pace, step, pass, defends well) 12. Simone (can defend, kick, link, support and runs straight) 13. Petaia (hard to leave out Kuridrani) 14. Koriobete (based on last years form) 15. Banks (needs a few more games to get form but in for pace/kicking and deserves a chance) 16 Uelese (size, potential) 17 Allaalota (unlucky not to start) 18 Slipper (the rotation system at Brumbies has kept him going) 19 Wilson (picked on form so Naisarani to lock if 4 or 5 get injured which is not ideal) 20 Hooper (has always started - could be lethal in last 20) 21 McDermott (again would be more threatening than Powell in last 20) 22 Toomua (ideal back up for 10/12) 23 Maddocks (more on potential - just over Haylett-Petty - can go to wing or full back)
Locky
Guest
" Maddocks no – he’s proven to be flaky and inconsistent." Yep Jack has not stepped up again this year. DHP and Banks still easily better.
Big Dog
Guest
Really happy to see Fergus Lee-Warner getting some recognition. I agree that he should start in the low row for our national side. He is the quiet achiever of Australian Super Rugby, always giving 110% and rarely making any errors. He is tough, mobile and loves the contact in tight. Also agree with Wright at 6 and Wilson at 8 but I’d leave Hooper at 7 for his experience and leadership. I’d like to see Simone in the mix as he has been a standout this year; his game has lifted a lot since he helped Norths win the Shute Shield in 2016.
Shed
Roar Rookie
Pretty close BT. I think he will give Banks first crack at 15 though. That's the exact type of player to develop for 2023 and there is no point in persisting with DHP. I am thinking the likes of Blythe and even Hanigan would be ahead of Hosea. I have been pleasantly surprised with Hanigans performances at lock coming back from concussion issues. If only he was at least 4cm taller. In regards to an eye for 2023 again, I would be leaning on Blythe as 2nd Row coverage and expect to see Darcy Swain in the training squad.
Shed
Roar Rookie
He's a good player, and I agree that 6 could be his spot. I have said in response to previous articles that he is becoming a Richie McCaw type player except taller and therefore a better lineout option. He does have a bit more muscle to put on the frame and this will come in the lead-up to 2023. For Wright to be at 6 in the Wallabies, the only feasible options for #8 are Naisarani and Wilson (one starting and the other on the bench) because they provide another lineout option. I would have concerns regarding our set piece work at lineout and restarts if we had wright at 6 and the likes of Samu at 8. I know you aren't necessarily suggesting that's the best backrow make-up, just voicing my opinion to get the best balance with Wright at 6.
Matt
Guest
Oh my !! look how big Hooper is. Possibly why he has failed in tests. Way too small. :shocked: Michael Hooper Height: 1.82 m Weight: 100 kg Fraser McReight Height: 1.84 m Weight: 100 kg
Locky
Guest
My Wallabies.pre and post Covid form 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. LSL 5. Matt Phillip 6. Liam Wright (c), 7. Will Miller, 8. Harry Wilson; 9. Joe Powell, 10. James O’Connor, 11.Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. TK 14. Marika Koroibete, 15. DHP, 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. James Slipper, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Cadern Neville (Great pre covid) 20. Isi Naisarani, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Hunter Paisami, 23. Tom Banks
elysiusrugby
Roar Rookie
Why is he worthy of a wider squad role? Yes he is young but shouldn't he have to wait until he actually plays some good games. Lolesio should be in the squad because he has been one of the best 10's in Australia, regardless of age. Very young players should absolutely be in an extended squad. They still need to earn it though, players like: McDermott, McReight, Valentini, Lolesio, Hosea, Wilson. I just don't see a reason for Harrison to be in a squad as of yet.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Yeah, the locking choices were standout mistakes for mine. Phillip and LSL obvious leaders
Greasegun
Roar Rookie
Maddocks started well but isn’t test standard atm. His kicking setup needs to quicken up. Banks to start.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
These young kids need game time on the big stage. But we can’t just chuck them in head first and hope for the best. They have the talent but need time to grow into the big shoes they have to fill as internationals. Finding the right balance will be the hardest job for the coach and selectors. But if they are the best in their position they need to be given a shot. No more rewarding mediocre Players and playing people well out of position
Aussie Jim
Guest
Fair calls, was just trying to fit Tevita in as his hard running and defence is very unrated especially in tough/tight games. If no one agrees, then I’d drop Petaia to the bench to make a slow come back via the bench, push Tevita to 13 and bring O’Connor in at 12. Simone is a star of the future for sure and I have been watching him from clubland and NRC. But he has taken time to adjust to each step up in competition, so I would introduce him from the bench.
wre01
Roar Guru
Totally agree regarding Harrison... I suspect if he was playing for the Force or Rebels we’d hear nothing about him... To be fair though he is a very young man and together with Lolesio he is worthy of a wider squad role.
wre01
Roar Guru
Thanks BT I’m not as high on Valentini as many seem to be. Prefer Wright, Swinton, Wilson, Naisarani and Samu for 6/8. As always, an embarrassment of riches in the back row!
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
I think we need to hold our horses with Pone. He has had only a couple of games. Had a few good runs and hits but has given away a few silly penalties. Exciting yes. But overall those penalties mean he has cost the rebels more than they have gained from the few runs and hits
BuffaloTheorist
Roar Rookie
With Kerevi departing, Wilson is firming as as my new favourite player to watch (must be Red, Daugunu close second). Despite that, 8 is one of the few spots where we have a deserving incumbent. Great opportunity for Wilson to learn from the bench. Also mistakenly omitted Valetini from the wider squad.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Cant argue much with that squad. Few players I would change and get some more players that are strong over the ball in there. But overall, good squad. If Rennie gets the tactics right then that is a squad that has the best chance in years against the ABs
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I’m with you all day. TK at 13 would be no and shifting him to 12 would be a hell no. Put him in the squad as cover and to bring experience to the young lads but should not see much more time in a gold jersey in his career.