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Opinion
This year and next are vital to the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup prospects.
Dave Rennie has done well so far to develop and blood players, develop a cohesive game style and judiciously use overseas-based talent.
This article contains my thoughts on who will get selected, who won’t, and why.
I am discussing the possible player inclusions by position, and because it is a squad there is no bench.
Loosehead prop
I’d pick James Slipper, Angus Bell and Cameron Orr. No Scott Sio unless he radically increases his work rate and form.
Hooker
I’d select Folau Fainga’a (due to incumbency), Dave Porecki (because he is showing genuine promise and a high work rate with little downside), and Feleti Kaitu’u.
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Jordan Uelese needs to up his work rate and throwing accuracy, and so does Alex Mafi. Lachlan Lonergan is still too small. Andrew Ready is a huge talent totally wasted by a lack of desire to get fit.
Tighthead prop
Taniela Tupou, Allan Alaalatoa and Harry Johnson-Holmes are very easy to select with maybe Pone Fa’amausili on the fringe. No one else will make the grade.
Locks
I’d go with Izack Rodda, Matt Philip and Darcy Swain with possibly Jed Holloway as a smokey. Of course, Rory Arnold is an automatic choice when he becomes available.
No Will Skelton. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Nick Frost have shot themselves in the foot by announcing plans to go overseas.
Number six
I’d pick Rob Leota and Lachlan Swinton and possibly Fergus Lee-Warner, with Ned Hanigan as emergency injury cover.
I suspect Rennie likes his six to be a genuine lineout option plus a big body carrying the ball while also having a significant breakdown presence.
Number seven
It’s Michael Hooper then daylight.
However, my choices as back-ups would be Pete Samu, Kane Koteka, Fraser McReight and a dark horse in Charlie Gamble.
There is no Sean McMahon because I don’t think Rennie appreciated last year’s dummy spit. There is no Liam Wright because he is struggling with a six or seven identity crisis and is being left behind by others.
McReight is down my list because he does not support the ball carrier as well as Hooper, Samu and Koteka.
(Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Number eight
I am selecting Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson and Will Harris.
Judging by the development of both Wilson and Harris, then Valetini will really have to play well on both sides of the ball to retain his place after the first couple of Tests. This selection will come down to injury and form.
Scrumhalf
I’d go with Nic White, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon in 2022 and McDermott, White and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa in 2023.
Fines-Leleiwasa reaching that goal will probably be determined by how much game time Ian Prior allows him.
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Flyhalf
I’d pick Quade Cooper (when he is available), Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson. There is no James O’Connor because as a Test quality ten, he has shown us nothing.
O’Connor’s plans post 2023 are not known but being the incumbent ten at the Reds is probably not among his thoughts, in which case I predict that Will Harrison or Tane Edmed (both for more game time), or Carter Gordon, will defect north.
Inside centre
I’d pick Samu Kerevi (when available), Hunter Paisami and Lalakai Foketi.
Outside centre
I’d choose Len Ikitau, Izaia Perese and Jordan Petaia if he can remain uninjured and string more than three games together.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Wings
I’d choose Marika Koroibete when available, Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright, then toss a coin multiple times amongst Filipo Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu.
Fullback
This is our weakest position. None of the possibles warm my heart but the selections are Tom Banks, Reece Hodge and Kurtley Beale. Possibly Jock Campbell and Alex Newsome are smokeys for 2023.
Banks is yet to show us much. Hodge has a big boot and will probably not make too many errors but with him, there will be no playmaking or counter attack out of fullback.
I have not included Petaia here because he is totally unproven.
So those are my selections based on my crystal ball, my guy feel, my trying to read Rennie’s thoughts and what I have seen so far.
I expect that Rennie will select his strongest possible squads for 2022, with maybe some development, or ‘look and see’ selections for the Spring Tour.
Of course, the World Cup in 2023 will mean everyone is available and some more names may crop up.
Enjoy your rugby no matter who you support, and of course no one supports England.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.