'I couldn't sleep': Wallabies predicted squad for TRC as Eddie sweats on Kerevi, bolter for 7 jersey emerges

Back in January Nic White and Ned Hanigan quipped that they should enjoy wearing their Wallabies polos because everything was up for grabs under the new order. No one was safe.

That new order was Eddie Jones’ remarkable return, with the masterful coach parachuted in to lead the Wallabies through to the 2023 World Cup at the expense of Dave Rennie.

Since then intrigue has hung in the air, with all sorts of theories and ideas given oxygen because of the long wait.

That wait is just about over, with Jones to name his first official Wallabies squad on Sunday since taking over from Rennie for next month’s Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in Pretoria on July 9.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones is sweating on the fitness of Samu Kerevi. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Nor has it been an easy selection process either, with the Wallabies winning just 38 per cent of their Tests under Rennie and 42 per cent since 2016.

“There’s not too many players here that have done well. That’s the reality of the situation,” Jones told The Roar Rugby podcast on Monday night.

“In Super Rugby, we’ve had one team that went over 50% in the last eight years, and the rest are below 40%. So players need to improve.

“I’m not going to play the game. All I’m going to do is create an environment for them to be better in. They’ve got to accept that they’re part of the problem and a massive part of the solution. And if they are prepared to work harder and be smarter about their preparation, be more focused, then we can smash and grab and win the Bledisloe Cup, win the rugby championship and win the World Cup. Imagine that!”

With time running out, every move Jones makes now could be defining to the Wallabies’ hopes of claiming a third Webb Ellis Cup.

That extends to selection.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” Jones said. “Whenever you’re getting to this stage I tend to get less sleep at night because you want to make sure you get it right and you want to make sure you’ve given everyone the opportunity to be at their best.”

The Wallabies’ fringe forwards players have had the chance to impress without the Brumbies and French based Australian locks Will Skelton and Richie Arnold in camp . (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

After a group of 40 players (minus the Brumbies, who were given the week off following their semi-final exit on Saturday) spent the week training in Coogee, the Wallabies will hold a public training session at Coogee Oval on Friday.

The final session is set to be the final audition for Wallabies hopefuls, with a couple of spots still to be ironed out The Roar understands.

But ahead of Sunday’s squad announcement, we’ve jumped in early to predict what the Wallabies squad could look like. Here’s our predicted squad.

PROPS [5]: Allan Alaalatoa, Pone Fa’aumasili, Matt Gibbon, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp.

Rehab group: Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell

While Allan Alaalatoa missed the Brumbies’ last three Super Rugby matches with a calf-injury, the tight-head prop would have been fit to play in the final had his side progressed through to the final. They didn’t, but the good news is he should be fit to take on the Springboks.

His return will likely mean Jones won’t risk taking Tupou to South Africa, with the prop edging closer to a return from his devastating Achilles injury.

The same cautious approach will likely be applied to Angus Bell, too. While the loose-head prop is slightly ahead of Tupou, it would be madness to bring back Bell for a return against one of the biggest packs in the world.

Both props are likely to be seen later in The Rugby Championship.

(L-R) Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are on the comeback trail from injury. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Fortunately, Alaalatoa’s Brumbies front-row teammate James Slipper is fit and should start at loose-head prop.

Jones, it is understood, is extremely excited by Pone Fa’aumusili’s frame and hopes to get the best out of the tight-head.

Fa’aumusili’s front-row teammate Matt Gibbon looks likely to snare the fourth spot.

That’s four props in the bank for the start of the TRC at least. The question is whether he takes five or six props?  

Tom Robertson’s devastating knee-injury has meant Jones doesn’t have the luxury of a prop who can play either side, which would mean he’d likely take five.

Presuming, however, he does take just five, it could mean Slipper might have to jump over if injury hits in South Africa, which could see Jones carry a third loose-head prop like Blake Schoupp or Tom Lambert over Sam Talakai.

Reds tight-head Zane Nonggorr has also been at camp this week, while Rhys Van Nek was also included in Jones’ April training camp.

HOOKERS [3]: Lachie Lonergan, Dave Porecki, Jordan Uelese

Perhaps the Wallabies’ Achilles heel, Jones has lots of hookers at his disposal, but none are world-class.

Dave Porecki likely is the first picked for his experience and calm head, while his core skills are solid.

As for the rest, Matt Faessler and Jordan Uelese have been in camp this week while Brumbies pair Lachlan Lonergan and Connal McInerney had the week off.

Folau Fainga’a, meanwhile, was a notable absence and is understood to have been left out.

Lonergan’s pace and work rate, as well as his reasonable throw, should see him included. He’s also helped win the Wallabies a Test in the past.

Wallabies assistant coach Neal Hatley talks to Jordan Uelese at a Wallabies training session at Coogee Beach on June 20, 2023 in Sydney. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Uelese’s throw has always been his Achilles heel, but Jones is once again tempted by his size and ability at the set-piece and to get over the ball.

It could be one last chance for the Rebels rake, who just re-signed to stay in Melbourne until 2025.

LOCKS [5]: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Will Skelton

It would be incredibly odd to bring Richie Arnold and Will Skelton home and then not play them.

That said, it’s possible one of them, if not both, could miss the South Africa leg to stay behind and be ready to take on Argentina given their long season which ended in the French Top 14 final in Paris last weekend.

Cadeyrn Neville stood up physically in the Brumbies’ finals to do enough to earn selection.

Will Eddie Jones select La Rochelle’s Australian star lock Will Skelton or rest him from the opening matches of the Rugby Championship? (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

While Nick Frost, whose one-on-one defence needs work, was a standout on last year’s Spring Tour and has been one of Australia’s most consistent tight-five forwards this year.

As for Tom Hooper, the rising 22-year-old has something about him. He runs hard, gets over the gain line and is an option in the back-row too. He’ll tempt Jones. Whether he’s tempted him more than Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will be seen?

BACK-ROWERS [5]: Jed Holloway, Josh Kemeny, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini

Rob Valetini’s a lock. Simple. Best Australian forward in Super Rugby over the past three years.

Pete Samu’s versatility and prowess at the back of the scrum means he’s in, too.

While Michael Hooper, at this stage, will likely be given another match or two to prove he’s up for a third straight World Cup campaign. But he’s got to show something this campaign.

From there, it’s tricky.

Fraser McReight was one of the best players in Super Rugby this year, but could Jones experiment just a fraction by picking a bigger body in Josh Kemeny who can cover six and seven? If he does, it won’t mean the end for McReight. It’s a long campaign.

Kemeny has impressed in recent days and is understood to have caught Jones’ eye, believing he could play openside flanker if need be.

After all, sevens across the world are getting bigger and the window at the breakdown is getting smaller.

This is what Jones told The Roar podcast earlier this week: “The way scrummaging’s gone, the No.8’s ability to play at the back of the scrum is so important now. Eight becomes a bit of a specialist position and seven and six, while you’d prefer your six to have the ability to jump at the lineout, seven and six have got to be able to share that breakdown work and general work-rate around the field, and the eight’s got to be a bit more of a decision-maker.”

Josh Kemeny has gone about his business quietly but has the potential to be the bigger flanker Eddie Jones wants. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

He added: “I think the other interesting thing on the weekend was that young Hooper, who they’ve had a lot of wraps on, played brilliantly at seven and [is] a big, powerful man and played well. South Africa, apart from when they play Kwagga Smith, tend to play three massive back-rowers, as France will.”

While Salakaia-Loto’s power could prove useful in South Africa, Jones might give Jed Holloway a chance to prove himself.

Harry Wilson was superb at the back end of the season but is just squeezed out. While Rob Leota has not played a game all year and Langi Gleeson is nursing an injury.

Rehab group: Langi Gleeson, Rob Leota

SCRUM-HALVES [3]: Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Nic White

Nic White’s ability to control the tempo of the game and his box kick likely has him in pole position to wear the No.9 jersey.

Interestingly. Jake Gordon was not invited to Wallabies camp this week, while Tate McDermott, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and James Tuttle were. Ryan Lonergan, like White, had the week off.

While Tuttle played for Australia A last year, he’s likely not in the picture for the TRC.

That leaves McDermott, Fines-Leleiwasa and Lonergan battling it out for two spots.

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa had an eye-catching year, but has he impressed Eddie Jones enough? (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

All three have genuine cases to feel like they could be selected.

McDermott finished the season well, Fines-Leleiwasa had his best year yet and brings pace and speed, while Lonergan is the most rounded of the lot.

It’s likely only one of McDermott and Fines-Leleiwasa get the nod, with Lonergan a goal-kicker and someone whose skill set and pass is developing.

“I really like Ryan Lonergan. I think he’s been the best halfback out of all of them in Australia,” former Wallabies halfback Will Genia told The Roar ahead of the Super Rugby finals.

“His core skills are excellent. He’s an excellent kicker of the ball in general play and his box kick. He’s got an excellent pass. He’s got a big engine, he gets to the breakdown quickly and moves the ball. I like that he’s a heads-up footy player. If he sees opportunities, he backs his instincts and skills to be able to execute off the back of it. And he’s just been really, really good.”

FLY-HALVES [3]: Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Carter Gordon

One of the most discussed positions all year and, indeed, ever since Stephen Larkham’s international career was ended the last time France hosted a World Cup in 2007.

Should Jones stick to experience or turn to youth?

It depends what side of the fence you sit on, but history tells you experience generally wins out at World Cups and that’s why Jones will likely select Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley.

Quade Cooper is expected to be included in Eddie Jones’ Rugby Championship squad, but whether Samu Kerevi is fit remains to be seen. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

Both appear central to Jones’ plans, with the playmakers featuring prominently at the Wallabies’ camp in Sydney.

Whether or not Jones picks both for start of The Rugby Championship remains to be seen. Could he spring a surprise by only including one while giving time and space for others like Carter Gordon or, dare I say it, Ben Donaldson?

What about Brumbies duo Noah Lolesio and Jack Debreczeni, or veteran James O’Connor?

Debreczeni moved ahead of Lolesio by starting over the past month at the Brumbies, but has he done enough to leapfrog Gordon? He’s got a great boot and can pass off one step. Few others have been able to do that in Australian rugby since Larkham finished up.

Gordon should be on the plane to South Africa.

The jury remains out whether both Cooper and Foley are included for the trip across the Indian Ocean.

CENTRES [4]: Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau

Rehab group: Hunter Paisami

Samu Kerevi would usually be one of the first picked, but the star centre hasn’t trained all week as he comes back from a minor injury picked up during the Barbarians’ win over the World XV at Twickenham late last month.

If he’s in doubt, he can’t be risked. Kerevi is too important for the Wallabies’ campaign to go down in the first week and could be the size needed a week later in Sydney against Michael Cheika’s Pumas.

It could even open the door for Izaia Perese.

Len Ikitau is locked and loaded, while Reece Hodge’s versatility and big boot could see him picked ahead of James O’Connor.

Josh Flook trained all week but is likely just out of the picture.

OUTSIDE BACKS [5]: Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Tom Wright.

Rehab group: Jordan Petaia

Marika Koroibete – the reigning John Eales Medallist – will be pencilled in on the left-wing, while Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suliasi Vunivalu are likely in a shoot-out to wear the No.14 jersey.

Andrew Kellaway could also feature on the wing, but would that leave the Wallabies exposed by a lack of height?

(L-R) Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper and Jordan Petaia pose during the Wallabies’ 2023 Rugby World Cup jersey unveiling at Coogee Oval on June 22, 2023 in Sydney. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Kellaway is more likely in a tussle with Tom Wright for the fullback role, with the Brumbies No.15 leaving the door ajar following his ugly night at fullback in his side’s 19-6 semi-final loss across the ditch.

Jordan Petaia’s wrist injury will have him in the frame to return against Argentina or New Zealand later next month.

Dylan Pietsch and Jock Campbell were also at Wallabies training this week.

Forwards [18]: Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Pone Fa’aumasili, Matt Gibbon, Blake Schoupp, Lachlan Lonergan, Dave Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Will Skelton, Jed Holloway, Josh Kemeny, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini

Backs: [15]: Nic White, Tate McDermott, Ryan Lonergan, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Carter Gordon, Samu Kerevi, Lalakai Foketi, Len Ikitau, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Tom Wright.

Rehab group [6]: Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia