Young Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio made his Test debut against Richie Mo’unga and the All Blacks 10 months ago and came away as part of a team chastened by a record 43-5 defeat in Sydney.
On that occasion Lolesio was pitched into action after injuries to James O’Connor and Matt To’omua, but after a superb three Test effort in the series win over France, he could be getting a crack at redemption in the Bledisloe Cup this campaign.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said he expects O’Connor to be fit for the series after suffering a setback with his groin injury – but Rennie faces a tough call.
Lolesio twice kicked winning penalties, in the first and third Tests, and he was a standout alongside fellow youngster Tate McDermott as Australia overcame the loss of Marika Koroibete to a red card to beat France in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Sonny Bill Williams was full of praise for how Lolesio performed against France.
“He’s stepped up in this series in clutch moments.” Said Williams on Stan Sport. “You gain a lot of confidence in that.”
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Former Wallaby Justin Harrison said Lolesio had taken a strong leap forward since the October 2020 debut.
“His kick, run and pass options are so much better,” said Harrison. “He makes them early. He’s creating opportunity for players around him.
“He has presence on the field, he’s got his own rhythm in this gold jersey and he’s getting confidence.”
Earlier the All Blacks thumped Fiji in their second Test, completing a three-game run that included a century of points against a weakened Tonga.
Williams felt that Australia’s tougher lead-in could prove an advantage, having them sharper and more battle hardened.
“As an avid All Blacks supporter the struggle I think they will have is they’ve come off a relatively easy three Test window – although it was physical at times. Whereas Australia have come off three brutal Tests. Guys like Noah and Hunter Paisami will gain confidence from that.
“Knowing Dave [Rennie] personally what I love about the guy is he’s willing to pull the trigger. When you’re playing a team like the All Blacks you’ve got to fight fire with fire and as we’ve seen in this last test, there were a lot of test debuts out there.”
All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens said Mo’unga had clearly established himself as the main man at No.10 for the All Blacks.
“He has the keys to the car and starting jersey,” Mehrtens said. “It’s not to say Beauden Barrett’s finished but they’re playing different roles.
“When Richie is starting out at 10 – the intensity at the start of a game, the judgement and diligence with which he manages the game from the first whistle is so important.”
Harrison added: “The key trying to stay with the NZ side is to take away the one on one opportunities. They are such a good team together but if you can contain the individuals within that group you’re a chance.
“We saw that happen in the first Test against Fiji with dominance in the breakdown – the second Test that fell away.
“Australia have come out of a series against France where they’ve had to play very well as a team . If they can take that into the All Blacks Test campaign they are a chance.”
Jack
Guest
17 from 18. Twice kicked the winning penalty. One try. 2 lovely passes to set up tries. Crucial steal to stop an attack 5 metres from the line. 2 year of first class Rugby. Noah is doing fine and deserves to start against the Darkness.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Agreed, he's a prospect but has the skills and athleticism to play test rugby and flourish. Definitely needs more time in Super though.
Phil
Roar Rookie
You could be right. Hopefully he’s being mentored by someone and has learnt a lot in camp. He needs to work on his physical and mental side. Vinivalu needs to keep learning at SR level for me.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
I think he was physically thrown into the deep end too early. He was definitely up to this level, the issue was his body needed to catch up. I’m hopeful that he will be able to get over the injury cloud soon as he matures physically into his early to mid twenties. Speed is an issue with Perese and Petaia, they are both quick but not electric. That could be where Suli Vunivalu snd Daugunu step in as they’re fast and athletic. Options though which is nice to see.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
And Rennie has managed to win the first series for the wallabies since before the cheika era. Long way to go yet but it’s something
Rhys
Roar Rookie
I like it/hope it comes true ken. I’m an overly optimistic type so I need to temper expectations but the fact the wallabies improved a lot between game 3 compared to 1,2 made me happy. I certainly think our forward pack has the foundations laid now.
killaku
Roar Rookie
We ain't living in Aussie for your rugby
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Of course Sonny Bill would want Noah at 10. If he was still playing that would be channel he’d be running using Noah as a speed bump. But in fairness to Noah he has grown and I don’t think Rennie could give Joc the keys as he hasn’t played any football in two months. Noah now knows what to expect from darkness. I think he was a little shocked or overawed with their tactics on him last year, shock and awe. He’ll be better prepared this year. Pick and stick.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ Can’t we just appreciate a phenomenal series by two well matched sides?” Apparently not, Jez. Some folks are born with a bucket full of rain and they carry it every day looking for an ‘arrogant’ Aussie parade to dump it on. It’s science. It’s the vibe. It’s Mabo. Perhaps it’s from looking at life at all times through the shadow of a silver fern, perennially moist from a chilly antipodean mist. But thankfully, it’s not universal. We have many NZers to thank for the strength of Oz rugby, as I am sure you are. You can’t play rugby in Australia without picking up a few (or many) valuable and loveable kiwi mates. And none less so than Dave Rennie atm. And Faith, every thing you said has some merit. But ………..
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Brave prediction: history will remember Rennie as one of the great Wallaby coaches. There’s wish in my thinking of course. But I remember in the McQueen era some wag with a big painted sheet “In Rod we trust”. Even before this last win (and it could have easily became a valiant loss) I was grateful for two games of development. Rennie, for mine, was on track. I was ready for a loss on Saturday, ANd to express trust in the Rennievation. The card, followed by the fight, and the win has only compounded the trust.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Jonny Wilkinson got his first test cap with a run off the bench in 1998. Shortly after, his first start was on England's mid-year tour. It didn't go well. In fact it stands as England's all time worst thrashing in test rugby. It happened at Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium). The Wallabies shaping into the RWC99 winning team ran in 11 tries, converted only 6 of them, and slotted 3 penalties for a final scoreline of 76-0. Noah's test career isn't about what happened last year. It's about the work he's putting in now, and continues to put in from here, on making himself as good a player as he can be. For the gory details: http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/match/23409.html https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/23722690/espnscrum-rewind-1998-england-rugby-1998-tour-hell-australia-south-africa-new-zealand
WEST
Roar Guru
I rate Rennie as one of the best in the business. NZRU will hopefully get him back in Aotearoa at some stage. In the mean time. This is all words, real proof is in the trophy cabinet.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Interesting and good points. Perese was a winger before so that make sense. Not sure if he and Petaia have top end speed as there are some pretty quick international wingers. Petaia impressed on the wing when he debuted but needs to looks after his body too doesn’t he as it’s a bit of a worry that it keeps breaking down.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
You guys really need to drop all this second or third string stuff. I think it insulting to them, us and England who these apparently journeyman French nearly rolled. They have depth and a common goal, a decent coach, sense of purpose and style. And their third side is not far away from their first. Kinda like NZ in a way. Not that unfamiliar! So stop poking and pointing and ripping yourself apart with jealous whines. Be happy we beat them and have a 23 we will stand behind and expect great things in future.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
I reckon Petaia plays his best rugby on the wing, he doesn’t have as much to worry about re decision making and can let his natural skills flourish more. With MK off overseas he’ll definitely get the 11 or 14 jersey and has a chance to make it his own. Perese similarly, Id play him on the wing at test level, better one on one defender than he is organising a defence. Ikitau could hopefully be a solution long term there, I like his speed and power, as long as he can hit his tackles.
Marlin
Roar Rookie
And last night we were missing Koroibete for most of the match
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
I really like how we have a few predicaments now of who to play on game day. Suddenly there seems to be so many players pushing for spots and with injuries to Dangunu and the possibility of a suspension to Koriabete I’m interested who will come in. Is Vunivalu ready? Kellaway? Wright? Is Petaia fit to play? If so, you’d think he’d be talked about as well. Muirhead? I really do think Queensland should try Petaia at FB . We need to have a back up to Banks.
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Another proud kiwi living in Australia with nothing else in his life but to bag the wallabies (and australia) and remind everyone how good the ABs are. We know how good they are but this is a conversation about 2 other teams. Give it a rest
Phil
Roar Rookie
They’ve all got talent and attacking threats but have issues - Perese defensive problems at 13 as seen at the Tahs and Petaia with decision making in attack/ turning the ball over. Ikitau seems more mature. Doesn’t overplay his hand and keeps it simple. Reads the game well.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
He’s quick too, another good centre option. Reckon Petaia when he returns from injury will only get a gig on the wing, especially if they look to keep Perese as a 13.