Noah Lolesio will be the big name left behind when Dave Rennie announces his spring tour squad later this week, according to a report on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Brumbies No.10 made a stunning impact earlier in the domestic Test campaign, kicking the winning penalties twice as the Wallabies beat France 2-1 in their series.
But the game’s official broadcaster Nine has been tipped off to several tour decisions including the ommission of Lolesio for the four Tests against Japan, England, Scotland and Wales.
The unexpected return to the Test fold of Quade Cooper, along with the presence of James O’Connor, means Lolesio will remain in Australia to prepare for the Super Rugby series after struggling through the three defeats against New Zealand as incumbent.
Cooper was instrumental as the Wallabies beat South Africa and Argentina twice each.
Nine also reports that Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, will also miss out.
The Sydney Morning Herald, meanwhile, suggests that Hunter Paisami, who was unable to retain his place in the squad after leaving for the birth of his child is also considered a doubt to be selected.
The Herald says Samu Kerevi, injured against Argentina last weekend, should be fit to play against England on November 13.
French-based players Rory Arnold, Tolu Latu and Will Skelton are expected to be added while the Herald suggests Waratahs centre Izaia Perese “is being strongly considered for the tour.”
“Senior figures at the Waratahs have been told by Wallabies officials that Perese could very well be taken in the touring party for a six-week block overseas.” the Herald reported.
“That the Waratahs have been organising potential training replacements for their pre-season suggests Perese is firming to be included in the squad, while fellow centre Lalakai Foketi has also been mentioned to the Waratahs as a player they could lose.”
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ We just got over a whole one an a bit WC cycles where selections were based on the demented ramblings of an idiot coach. Please don’t let Aussie rugby go down that path again” Harsh, but there are lessons in recent history are still instructive.
Tarion Hegh
Guest
So you give the young youngster Lolosio the three toughest games and then drop him for the two old guys. If Lolosio had kicked 1 extra goal in that first game you would’ve beat us and then obviously he struggled in the next two games but that’s extremely tough on the kid. If Cooper or OConnor played against the all blacks in those three they both would’ve lost 3-0 too most likely. Also what has Lotu, Skelton and Arnold done to deserve test rugby? Wilson and Loto are much better and have worked hard to get to where they are. You open up test rugby to everyone internationally and all your players in the super rugby will leave for the money. Not that it matters all your super rugby y teams suck anyways
Aldo
Roar Rookie
JOC was better and Donaldson and Gordon at the end looked to have potential. Noahs done well but has struggled to play at the top level. Of course Quade was not in the picture earlier in the year and has shown the value of experience and an advanced skill level. Time will tell and he is firmly in the picture so he has as good a chance as anyone to come through.
QED
Roar Rookie
If it was up to me NL would be in the squad. If I ever had a chance to convey this message to DR I'm pretty sure he would have said "When I want your opinion I will give it to you" But seriously. NL is only 21. He can miss one tour or even more. At RWC 2027 he will 28, which is still younger than JOC and QC are now.
DNZ
Guest
I think it's quite funny that everyone is writing Lolesio off. He hasn't set the world on fire but he did win a series against France and has performed above and beyond the other 10s domestically. In an ideal world he'd be a better talent but I feel like people are clutching at straws hoping these other players leap him when everyone has been writing Lolesio off for years now. Even Brumbies fans assumed he'd have been displaced at this point and he's been the best 10 domestically.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
I'm not sure, Simone's not a blockbusting runner is he? This is what Quade needs foremost, I think.
Cam
Roar Rookie
You can certainly make an argument for Noah to tour, but for mine, I think they have left him in Aus for the right reasons. First and foremost, his form doesn’t warrant selection. That might change in a year or two and if that is the case, he will have deserved selection. Don’t overthink it.
Cam
Roar Rookie
I think Noah was selected for Test rugby based on potential, which is not a great policy to have at international level. When he played against the AB’s, James O’Connor was injured and Quade Cooper wasn’t in the frame at the time. The Spring Tours usually have a development player selected, but having played 6 tests, you couldn’t categorise Noah as a development player. His form doesn’t warrant selection, so he is staying home.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Probably true but all the great 10's probably showed much greater skulls at an early age than Noah. Some experience certainly adds to a players "game management". Noah seems deficient in key basic areas, necessary for a quality international 10.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I’m happy with that. JOC can also back up fullback
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
100%, though am thinking oz could do with an A team that has stand alone games touring to various nz or pacific opponents. Cheers KP
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Big A, totally agree with mid week games. Give the young lads some international experience but you'd need a squad of say, 45, to achieve this (without impacting on your starting Test 23). Of course those games don't result in a "cap".
jcr
Roar Rookie
Jack, I agree with some of what you say. I thought when I watched Donaldson he looked good despite what was going on around him , that’s observational not rationalization. I hope NL does come back as well, but if he doesn’t, there are others.
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
Just needs to throw better.
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
Looks good james, but I don't know that Banks is back from injury yet. In any cast I would not take him as he like NL needs time to work on his game back here in Oz. He has had many opportunities and hasn't made the grade. Kellaway is a good backup for Hodge at fullback. Take Naiyaravoro along if MK is not available. Cheers
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Is Simone even in the mix?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Agree with this, Paisami has tried to do too much in his recent outings. If he can simplify his game and do basics well then job done. Having experienced halves inside him should help his game. The three things I would like to see him work on, - handling - don’t fight for extra metres that aren’t there, tends to lose ball in contact - wayward passes If Paisami can truck it up, bend the defensive line and make his tackles that will be job done.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I agree Jimbob, whilst guys like Wilson, McReight and Lolesio have experienced International Rugby, they have much to work on. For starters I would have them in the gym now for the next 3-4 months of hard work. Tours of the NH are not for the faint hearted, you need experience and players in form. If the three aforementioned players have a good season next year, take them on the EOYT. These lads will know what they need to work on.
Aldo
Roar Rookie
I’m with you Dave. Lolesio has done his best but I see nothing to suggest that he will become our answer at 10 anytime soon. With QC back in the mix and looking in ultra good shape there is no need to take Noah. JOC and Hodge are fit and both back ups and capable of playing other positions if needed. We do not need 4 options at 10 in a 36 man squad. I would be surprised if Paisami does not go. He covers 12 and 13 and is the most like for like replacement should Kerevi not recover. I would guess that the likes of Donaldson and Gordon will overtake Noah in the 10 pecking order during the next SR season but will however remain behind QC and JOC.
Doug
Guest
I'm sorry....name a No.10 who has been seriously world class at the age of 21 in the past two decades...? Give NL a break!!! He's young and has plenty to learn. He'll be in next year's tour.