The window for Wallabies auditions is almost at a close.
Depending on results, there could be one, two, or no Australian teams left in Super Rugby Pacific after Saturday evening.
But Joe Schmidt and his selectors have probably seen enough already to firm up their thinking about Wallabies selections, based on Super Rugby form and what they already know about their players from last year.
There are tough decisions to make when it comes to the Wallabies’ 23 for the first Tests against the British and Irish Lions, primarily around hooker, the second second-rower, Carlo Tizzano, the 6-2 split (upon which Tizzano’s involvement probably depends) and the back-up No 10.
Schmidt has probably dropped enough clues in his selections last year to give a good outline about his thinking, but here is my Wallabies 23 for the opener in Brisbane next month.
1 Angus Bell (Waratahs): One of the first names on the team sheet. Picks himself because of his strong scrummaging and outstanding ball carrying. Has to have a big series for the Wallabies to be in with a chance to win.
2 Billy Pollard (Brumbies): His re-signing this week until 2027 was a major clue about how Rugby Australia sees him. One of my big movers in Super Rugby, thanks to the emergence of a more abrasive edge.
Billy Pollard is the form hooker in Australian rugby and has signed on until the World Cup.Credit: Getty Images
3 Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies): Captaincy material again after a “follow-me” season at the Brumbies. Gives Schmidt the option to hand him the armband if Harry Wilson is not a locked-in selection at No 8.
4 Nick Frost (Brumbies): Despite those occasional question marks about his defence, he is still a pretty complete second-rower and is highly disciplined: he doesn’t give away many soft penalties.
5 Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais): He’s never quite delivered his best for the Wallabies but should get a decent run-in to the first Test, especially if his French club do not go far in the Top 14 playoffs, or even make it (to be decided this weekend).
6 Rob Valetini (Brumbies): An easy decision, although he’ll go into the series with a target on his back because Lions coach Andy Farrell will know that he is central to the Wallabies’ momentum.
7 Fraser McReight (Reds): Hasn’t reached the same heights as last year but is at the stage of his career where he doesn’t need to keep proving himself in Super Rugby. Everyone knows the level he can reach, and for that reason he’s ahead of Tizzano.
8 Harry Wilson (Reds): A far closer call than at the start of season, given his run of injuries. But he’s still stepped up when needed for the Reds. Form will be closely watched against the Crusaders, because the back row is a unit where Schmidt has options.
9 Tate McDermott (Reds): He’s played his way in by rediscovering his running game in and around the ruck. As brave as they come and would represent the dash of boldness the Wallabies need to break down the Lions defence.
10 Noah Lolesio (Brumbies): Schmidt showed last year that Lolesio was his man and there has been no compelling reason to change that. Understanding with Len Ikitau and Tom Wright is critical.
Max Jorgensen.Credit: Getty Images
11 Max Jorgensen (Waratahs): A massive loss in the context of the Waratahs’ season, but has the speed and game smarts to slot straight back into the Wallabies if he is fit.
12 Len Ikitau (Brumbies): Showed last year he can easily move into the No 12 jersey to be the real leader in the midfield. The class act that will be needed against the Lions in an area where they look strong.
13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Waratahs): Limited to just seven games for the Waratahs, but showed enough to a major ball-carrying weapon for the Wallabies. Schmidt will desperate to engineer even the slightest amount of space on the outside for Suaalii.
14 Harry Potter (Force): Last year’s Wallabies performances have informed the majority of my picks, but Potter has mounted a compelling case over the out-of-sorts Andrew Kellaway. The latter can change my mind with a good Test against Fiji, however.
15 Tom Wright (Brumbies): He really has developed into the all-round package at fullback. His ability to carry the ball in both hands to keep his options open is a world-class asset.
Reserves: Matt Faessler (Reds), James Slipper (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Waratahs), Jeremy Williams (Force), Pete Samu (Bordeaux-Begles), Jake Gordon (Waratahs), Tom Lynagh (Reds), Hunter Paisami (Reds).
This is the area where it has been so difficult to make decisions. If the Lions show their hand early and run with three No 7s, Carlo Tizzano might have to come in on a 6-2 split with Paisami dropping off.
Tom Hooper and Langi Gleeson are also pushing hard, but Samu’s ability to cover all three back-row positions gives him the edge. Lynagh over O’Connor? The Rugby World Cup in 2027 has played a role with Lynagh’s development critical to that tournament. Suaalii’s ability to cover fullback (and wing at a push) also lessens the need for Ben Donaldson as a No 10/15 replacement.
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