The hunters and collectors: Five players eager to impress in the 2023 Rugby Championship

With the Wallabies’ third squad of the year named, and some notable inclusions (and exclusions), the Rugby Championship proves as a prime opportunity to turn-form-around, or solidify form in the run into RWC 2023.

For some, it will be a (relatively) light run into RWC 2023, using the Rugby Championship as an opportunity to sharpen the metaphorical saw. But for others, it is do or die.

Show up or show over. As such, and in anticipation of the upcoming relief of international rugby, I thought it was a prime opportunity to highlight five players I will be keeping a close eye on throughout the Rugby Championship.

Isaiah Perese

Isaiah Perese’s 2023 season with the Waratahs may have had its ups and downs, but there’s no denying his extraordinary talent.

I first saw Perese play alongside the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Brodie Croft, and Liam Wright in Churchie’s (Herculean) 2014 First XV. Perese brought an abrasiveness and a refreshing mongrel to backline play, lighting up the schoolboy scene. His time on the big stage was destined to come, and it did in 2021.

I shivered my way through the Scottish fall with a keen eye, waiting for Perese’s debut performance against Scotland. Back against the wall, Perese’s performance demonstrated not only an ability to make but break the gain line with the ball in hand.

With one of his first touches in Wallaby gold, Perese powered through an otherwise impressive Scottish defensive line with ease, setting the stage for the Wallabies’ only try of the match.

Despite this, given the strength of other centre and outside back options, Perese’s name has somewhat fallen out of conversation – justified by a turbulent 2023 season. Regardless however, Perese has an edge about him – an inner aggression that I can see Eddie Jones thoughtfully tapping into.

Izaia Perese of the Waratahs makes a break (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Tenacious at his core, Perese also brings a defensive mongrel that I see fitting well with Eddie Jones’ abrasive style. The good news for Perese is that some unquestionably poor defensive showings by other outside back prospects in the second half of the 2023 Super Rugby season has left the door open for him to dominate defensively and with ball in hand as a genuine utility in this year’s Rugby Championship.

Carter Gordon

Carter Gordon’s ascent in Australian rugby has been nothing short of sensational. In 2022, Gordon led Wests to their first QLD Premier Rugby Premiership in over a decade, amplifying the already well-known fact that Gordon was ready for rugby’s biggest stages.

But his dramatic rise throughout the 2023 season has taken even his greatest supporters by storm.

Throughout Super Rugby Pacific, Gordon showcased exceptional control and vision while guiding the Rebels through an otherwise turbulent season. Any concerns about his size and defensive capabilities have been proven wrong, as Gordon’s skinny frame belies his fierce defensive prowess.

The international game is of course another step up, but I have no doubts Gordon is up to the task. I wonder whether a (somewhat) cautious approach will be taken with Gordon in terms of exposure to the physical harshness of international rugby at this stage – or whether Jones will throw him into the deep end and watch how he swims.

Either way, his first international showing in this year’s Rugby Championship will be eagerly anticipated.

Matt Faessler

Hooker has been a troublesome area for the Wallabies in recent years, but the likes of Matt Faessler suggest a promising solution. A smart, physical, and athletic footballer, Faessler has been a revelation for the Reds in 2023.

Technically sound at the set-piece and with a refreshing attacking presence, Faessler’s commanding performances ought not (and have not) gone unnoticed. The challenge will (of course) be translating this form into the international arena.

“The pressure comes on at the test level around the set piece,” said former Reds coach Brad Thorn. There is no greater physical test for a front rower than playing South Africa at Loftus Versfeld, a pressure cooker for tight forwards. I would like to see Jones afford Faessler some game time in the South African fixture, so as to expose him to these pressures.

Now is not the time for waiting.

Sure, the upcoming fixtures against Los Pumas and the All Blacks provide Faessler with the necessary international exposure to ensure a sufficient lead-up to RWC 2023, but the heat of Loftus and intensity of South African set-piece is what Faessler needs most.

Will Skelton

Fresh off another scintillating season with La Rochelle – including a dramatic and triumphant win over Leinster at the Aviva – Will Skelton once again grabs interest in the lead-up to RWC 2023.

In my mind, Nick Frost and Jed Holloway have done enough to warrant their selection as Australia’s starting locks for the Rugby Championship. But the question looming large is where does Skelton fit in the mix?

I see the reality of Frost and Neville likely starting playing into Skelton’s skill set, given the tactics to reserve his rampaging presence until a game’s final 30 minutes.

Will Skelton of Australia (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Many will recall the hype around Skelton and Rory Arnold’s return to test rugby in 2021, following impressive showings for La Rochelle and Stade Toulouse, respectively.

But such excitement proved unfruitful, with Skelton and Arnold producing disappointing showings in the Wallabies’ 2021 spring tour campaign. As such, I proceed with caution and am reluctant to buy into the hype that accompanies the best-right-hand-side-lock whispers from a Top 14 season.

Skelton is an unquestionable talent and an exciting addition to the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship and RWC 2023 ranks. Similarly, I look forward to seeing the physical performances, especially at the set-piece, in this year’s Rugby Championship.

Rob Valetini

Similarly, there should not be any surprises here. Valetini has continued to go from strength to strength. Having all but solidified his starting spot (either in the 6 or 8 jumper), I look forward to seeing Valetini continue building towards RWC 2023, following another impressive Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

With a view toward September, I struggle to see RWC 2023 being anything but a backrow dominated tournament, with all serious contenders boasting impressive talent.

Perhaps none more so (I opine) than the French. With the likes of Charles Ollivon and Greg Alldritt on full display, teams will need to have an effective backrow presence to combat.

It is a great asset to Australian rugby to not only have a dominant backrow threat in Valetini but also a coach with ample northern hemisphere experience at mitigating the otherwise colossal northern hemisphere ruck threats.

As such, and during this Rugby Championship campaign, I look forward to seeing Rob Valetini’s performances, not only to continue watching his growth as a player, but also to see how Jones best uses his skills to combat and disrupt the South African, New Zealand, and Argentinian styles of play.

With the domestic season done and dusted, the next opportunity comes in the form of Rugby Championship exposure.

The stage is set for these five players to shine and pave the way for not only individual success but also national success come October.