As Max Jorgensen declared his World Cup ambitions, the rising star of Australian rugby could be forced to bide his time to continue his Wallabies push, with the Waratahs plotting how they peak in time for the Super Rugby finals after securing their place.
While Darren Coleman said he won’t make wholesale changes to his side for this weekend’s trip to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders, the second-year coach admitted his side was “a bit cooked” and said they would make some changes to ensure they’re fresh heading into next month’s finals charge.
“We’ve been up and training hard and playing hard for a while, so I reckon there’s a few boys definitely we’ve got to freshen up heading into the finals,” he said.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman admits he will look to freshen up his squad on the eve of the finals. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
One of those boys could well be Jorgensen.
Although the fullback is gunning to take on the Crusaders, telling reporters on Saturday night following his dazzling performance that he grew up “idolizing” the kings of Super Rugby, the Waratahs are equally aware of not burning him out.
While Jorgensen missed a couple of games earlier in the season because of injury, the teenager has played the past seven straight matches for the Waratahs.
Mark Nawaqanitawase celebrates with Max Jorgensen after at Allianz Stadium on May 13, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
It’s a big workload for someone who hadn’t even played a game against men until February, particularly one who weighs less than 90 kilograms.
With little to gain given the Waratahs will likely remain in sixth position regardless of the result in Christchurch given they are six points behind fifth and eight points clear of seventh and a match against the winless-Moana Pasifika to come, it’s easy to understand why Coleman will consider resting some players over the next two weeks.
“There’ll be a little bit of rotation,” said Coleman, whose Waratahs were bundled out in the quarter-finals against the Chiefs last year.
“Now, we’re in the eight …I keep saying, you’ve got to get there fit, healthy and in form and confident (heading into the finals).
“We definitely won’t do it en masse to lose momentum, but there might be one or two guys that you don’t need to risk if they’ve got a niggle, or guys that have started lots of games, might sort of sneak out.”
While the Brumbies paid the price of making 12 changes for their trip to Perth, Coleman said there was “no hard and fast rules” regarding workload management from Jones.
“Eddie’s been really good on that,” he said.
“We just talked about it. We’ll catch up on Monday and chat what we need to do. He’s not going to try and kill our momentum going into playoffs. There’s no hard and fast rules at the moment.”
Waratahs halves Jake Gordon and Ben Donaldson have played every match in 2023 while back-rower Michael Hooper has missed just one match.
Helping the Waratahs is the fact Ned Hanigan made a strong return via the bench after missing the past three weeks because of concussion.
Lachie Swinton will be eligible to play against Moana Pasifika in their final match, too.
“We won’t rest guys that don’t need it,” Coleman insisted.
“It was probably over the balance of the two games, we’ll just make sure we manage them well to go forward. I definitely see people’s point on the integrity of the competition, but there’s not much I can do about that.”
Jorgensen was one of the Waratahs’ best during their hard-fought, bonus-point 32-18 victory over the Drua on Saturday.
The teenager set up four tries and looked comfortable against the hard-hitting Fijian pack.
Having been a part of Eddie Jones’ April training squad, his performance rocketed his name back into the Wallabies World Cup mix.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones talks with Max Jorgensen during a Wallabies training camp at Sanctuary Cove on April 17, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Asked whether this year’s World Cup remained his target, Jorgensen made his clear his preference would be to be in France rather than South Africa for this year’s under-20s world championship.
“Yeah, definitely, definitely. I want to be there,” he said.
“Obviously, that’s all up to Eddie though. Hopefully I can keep playing well and cement my spot in that squad.
“I’ve had a little chat to Graysie [Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey], but it’s mostly up to Eddie. Whether he wants to be playing 20s or wants me going on tour with the Wallabies.
“Either way I’m happy. If I don’t get selected in that Wallabies, obviously I’ll be pretty down about it, but I’ve got 20s there, so 20s would be good fun.”
Coleman, meanwhile, said he was thrilled by his young fullback’s rapid rise.
“Sometimes you don’t give due credit when you’re watching it live, you know what I mean? But he did some great things in attack,” said Coleman, who upgraded the teenager’s contract to enable him to play earlier this year.
“He definitely did some good things. He’s picking his times on when to run back. And he’s getting offloads away, if not tackle breaks. He’s warming into it.”
cs
Roar Guru
And vision.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
So true can't mimic test match but playing Chiefs Blues Crusaders in N.Z pretty close.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Yes more games like that says give him a crack one test he has that indelible quality you can't coach... SPEED!!
John Ferguson
Expert
I think finals footy is as close to WC games as you can get as far as pressure goes so that will be telling. But again I think his selection or not has very little to do with form. He is just too young and he is not dominating the fullback position, therefore it is not necessary to cook him. I think Kellaway is actually ahead in the WC race. But Wright will start there for the Rugby Championships.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I agree JF if there are players ahead of him. Based on the last 2 games I'd have him ahead of petaia and Campbell, but not Wright or kellaway. He's certainly close and the next 3 games will be interesting.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
This fixation with resting surely is killing SR for spectators. Val I personally think that the fixation with fans constantly bringing this up is by far the bigger problem. Its a squad game. Smart coaches use the squad well. As for getting discounts do members sign up then get discounts if a player gets injured? Does the TV people get some money back when a star is out for the season? No they all move on. I wish fans would as well.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Tane has some serious defence work to do. Good potential though.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I'm confused. Coaches have no idea what they're doing if they rest players, but they have no idea if they have players play every game. As per the article there won't be wholesale changes, but may give a few like hoops a rest so they're ready for the finals. Oh and Gamble has been injured. Maybe, just maybe DC has a good grip on what he's doing.
cs
Roar Guru
You're probably right JF, and that has been my view, but now I have to admit that he really asked the question last weekend.
John Ferguson
Expert
I may be in the minority but I think Jorgensen should play 20s and not Wallabies. We just don't need to cook him and he's only 18/19. We have other players that are better and have more experience. I agree with the "if you're good enough, you're old enough" saying but I don't think he is a necessity in a Wallabies jersey and let's just have him ease into his professional career. He has a lot to learn and his body is still growing, he is already exceeding expectation by starting in SRP, it should be enough for him and Australia. Let's keep the Wallabies jersey for those who truly deserve it. Jorgensen will possibly as early as next year.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Gamble playing injured, delayed surgery to put in for the team. Suspect he very well may run on this week though.
jeznez
Roar Guru
On last week’s team announcement he was listed to be due back this week. Hopefully good to go.
Val
Roar Rookie
Players cooked? There has been 12 games for each team this SR season. How can they be cooked? That's not a lot of rugby and if's it's because of training as well then surely the coaches have a lot to answer for. This fixation with resting surely is killing SR for spectators. Do spectators get a discount when a second team turns up? The Tahs should only be giving one person a rest and that's Hooper because he has played every minute. In modern rugby that really is the way to overwork a player. What happened to using Gamble who last year was apparently on his way to being a Wallaby. This again strike's me as poor coaching to the detriment to the game especially for the paying public.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Jeznez yep your right Jed has carried the side for a while now and a rest would not hurt him - would rather see Seu if fit though with Ned off the bench. We may need the taller timber in the lineout. I must give dues to Harris, he was mighty last weekend and so keeps 6 with Gleeson 8. A good test for both against the Saders. Gamble in for Hooper, I hope they don't change 9 and 10 as it looks like Foketi and Izzy will miss this weekend with injury which may not be a bad thing, been itching to see more of Walton and Mosese Tuipulotu in the centres. Young Wilson at 15, he looked good against the Blues a few weeks back, may get another gallop for Jorgo as printed.
cs
Roar Guru
What a promising raft of young players Australian rugby now has. Max, Carter, Marky, Coorey ... bodes well. Meanwhile, I'd be glad to see a bit more of Tane Edmed, one of last year's sensations. Is he ready to give Donno a rest?
Objective Observer
Roar Rookie
He is 18, reported at 90kg, doubt that is accurate given his age and build. That’s the greatest criticism, while your there how about Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Be interesting to see who goes. I expect Holloway to be rested, he's played all matches except round 4. Particularly since all of Sinclair, Hanigan and Seu are back, this is a window to rest him. He'll be missed, just read his stats from last week, 12 runs, 12 passes, 16 tackles. He's getting through a mountain of work. Interesting to see that the amount of passing by the Tahs forwards is creeping up again. Tahs only had 41% of the ball, forwards made 47 passes, compared to 65 runs. Drua meanwhile forwards made 25 passes, 107 runs.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Smashing that big Fijian into touch on Saturday was huge. The judgement, skills and rugby smarts he shows are just simply extraordinary.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
He certainly played well against the Drua, and led the team with great intelligence. The Crusaders are on a different level and will move the Tahs defence around to open up the space to attack from, he certainly will be targeted so this is the perfect game to gauge his progression and maturity. Coleman will be aware of which players to rest by not impacting too much on combinations and momentum, a real balance is required because the Crusaders will be playing the game as a final and will be looking for a bonus point to lock in a top two finish.
Jazz
Roar Rookie
He's has to learn to tackle, too many players are bowling over him....Crusaders will target him next week unless he fronts up in the tackles, can't fault him in other areas.