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Despite a heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to the British & Irish Lions, the Wallabies head into the Rugby Championship with a squad that shows plenty of promise and potential. Joe Schmidt's side proved they belong on the big stage, and though the series didn't go their way, it revealed a team that has talent, growing cohesion, and genuine world-class across the park.
This upcoming Rugby Championship campaign is about solidifying the foundations laid during the Lions series, with an eye to find the missing peices to their matchday squad.
The Wallabies are blessed with a mutant collection of second-rowers including Will Skelton, Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams – it’s a formidable set of options, and that's before considering the next generation coming through. These players bring a potent mix of size, physicality, and relentless work rate.
It was baffling to see Lukhan Salakaia-Loto left out of the matchday 23 at times during the Lions series. Moving forward, his presence should be non-negotiable for the Rugby Championship. Darcy Swain would also add some much-needed agression.
The back row looks fierce, especially on the openside. Rob Valetini is a definite starter, and Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano are duking it for the no.7 jersey. With Tom Hooper adding considerable size to the backrow, the Wallabies have a mix of balance, athleticism, and a genuine intimidation factor. Harry Wilson continues to be a tireless workhorse, and no one can deny his passion for the jersey, but there are questions marks over his physicality.
The Wallabies have uncovered a genuine enforcer this series in Nick Champion de Crespigny, who adds serious on feild presence. Getting the balance of the backrow is crucial.
There’s no question that there is immense talent in the midfeild. The more Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii plays, the more dangerous he'll become. While bigger tests against New Zealand and South Africa await, game time and experience will rapidly fast-track Suaalii’s development. Len Ikitau is a world-class centre, and proved he can handle the 12 jersey.
While there is some debate as to whether either player are used to their full potential, it is unlikely that Schmidt will move away from this partnership. Wallabies fans will have to hope that time in the saddle will help both players get a better sense of their positions and be able to build awereness and cohesion.
Dylan Pietsch is the type of player no one wants to defend – relentless, abrasive, and always involved in the game. Max Jorgensen has blistering pace and Tom Wright continues to show his ability to create something out of nothing. It's a blend of skill, speed, and unpredictability that can spark attacks.
Andrew Kellaway has been playing minutes off the bench, but posseses world-class skills and finishing ability, with the know-how to play on the wing and fullback. This core could provide a consistent
The Wallabies are building genuine depth in the front row. Angus Bell looks like the real deal and Allan Alaalatoa brings consistent quality, while James Slipper remains a dependable presence. Add a fit-again Taniela Tupou to the mix, and you’ve got a front row capable of matching it with the best in the world.
They’ll face a serious examination against the All Blacks and Springboks, but the talent is there. The Wallabies just need another genuine scrummager to emerge to from and they will have the makings of a world class front row core. Aidan Ross could add some much-needed starch, while young prop Massimo de Lutiis is a hulk with raw talent waiting for his shot at higher honours.
Nic White showed his immense value in the second Test of the Lions series, controlling the tempo and injecting some crucial game sense. However, the halfback situation overall still needs greater clarity as the Rugby Championship approaches. Jake Gordon has been servicable, while Tate McDermott has been a game-changer when he has come one, but the consensus is he is better served coming from the bench.
Its time for a changing of the guard. Ryan Lonergan has the temperment, game-management and kicking skills from the base of the ruck. His time has come to test himself at Wallabies level. If not now, when?
Tom Lynagh is learning on the fly and deserves credit for his performance in the second Test. His test series was a mixed bag, that's understandable for a 22-year-old playing only his second Test against the Lions. A leader who can impose his will on the game is needed, but at the moment the Wallabies are bereft of options in the playmaking postion.
Some selection decisions still raise eyebrows. Schmidt is sending some mixed messages. If he is buidling for the World Cup in 2027 then he needs to bring in the next generation. Pundits have been critical of Schmidt for leaving out the likes of Pietsch, Swain, Salakaia-Loto, Tupou and O'Connor from the series. Slipper, White and O’Connor aren’t getting any younger Schmidt will have to reconsider some selections for the Rugby Championship, there are still some gaps in the squad that need to be filled.
Hooker remains arguably the one glaring hole in the squad. Matt Faessler struggled with lineouts after coming into the series undercooked, while Dave Porecki has been forced to retire following a bad-track record with injury. Australia desperately needs a dynamic hooker in the mold of a Sheehan, Mauvaka, or Marx – someone who consistently makes metres and dents defensive lines.
Billy Pollard has proven that he can match it at this level, but still needs experience. The depth under him falls away pretty quickly. Until that piece of the puzzle clicks into place, the pack will always feel slightly incomplete, regardless of how strong the other forwards are.
No one doubts Will Skelton's immense talent. His impact on the Lions Series proved it. Unfortunately, Skelton’s comittments in France means, despite making himself available for the Rugby Championship this time, his ongoing selection will be constantly shrouded in doubt. The Wallabies can’t rely on Skelton, they need to find someone who can add similiar impact that can be called on consistently.
For those arguing that the Wallabies should drop the current selection policy and make it a free for all of players from around the world, Skelton’s selection is a perfect example of how the push and pull between national pride and club contracts creates a tension, and can’t guarantee the best players are available. It has happened before, with Samu Kerevi and Quade Cooper dropping out of the Wallabies to go back to training in Japan.