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We’re only halfway through the Super Rugby Pacific season and it’s already been one of the best in the competition’s history. No one has benefited more, and arguably contributed to its success than current Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt.
The Waratahs are wavering week to week and Stephen Larkham has jumped the gun and ruled himself out as a contender for Australia’s top job, but it’s Les Kiss’ Reds and the Western Force who have stolen the show. The contingent of players from these two top four franchises who have been involved with Joe Schmidt really look like they’ve taken his feedback on board. His imprint and attention to detail is present in the players’ skill level and accuracy and Les Kiss and Simon Cron need to be commended for being big enough to welcome Schmidt’s influence. Dan McKellar started the season off on the wrong foot by stating their new million-dollar man, Joseph Sua’ali’i would play where NSW see fit, not where Joe Schmidt wants him. Wrong side of the bed stuff.
Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies side are having a peculiar season. Rob Valentini was a big loss at the start of the season but the team as a whole look more like an automatic driver in a manual car. Sure they get there but it’s stop-start and their failure to fire has raised concern, people have even begun to draw comparisons to his incredibly poor tenure at Munster. Larkham ruling himself out had a whiff of they can’t dump you if you break up with them first.
There has been a shift in fortunes for many of Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies with many players playing himself in and out of the squad. However, Schmidt will have to rely heavily on continuity and the players who are already familiar with his standards and game plan.
Will this work in Noah Lolesio’s favour? Will Carlo Tizzano’s form be rewarded with a slot in the back row? Right now I think Schmidt will favour continuity, for the sake of the Lions at least.
Let's take a look at the team he could select for the first Test in Brisbane.
Loosehead: Angus Bell
The Waratahs wrecking ball was considering retirement as recently as last year, but his return from successive foot and toe injuries has been a god send for the Wallabies’ front row stocks. Bell’s ball carrying and athleticism is vital from a physicality perspective when building this pack.
Hooker: Matt Faessler
The Queensland Hooker was one of the diamonds found amongst the rough in Joe Schmidt’s maiden campaign as head coach. The feisty front rower finished the year looking like a true test quality lineout thrower and set piece operator.
Tighthead: Allan Alaalatoa
The Brumbies stalwart earns his spot by locking down this ACT pack. The 31-year-old has added a try-scoring string to his bow, he shows up week in, week out. Something his “main competition” has been unable to do.
Second Row: Jeremy Williams & Darcy Swain
The Western Force second row pairing have been a revelation this year. Jeremy Williams has some serious credit in the Joe Schmidt bank after a terrific debut season and has kicked on again this year. Darcy Swain’s move to Perth is being justified every single week. He looked to struggle in the heat during the afternoon kickoffs but the former Brumbie has steadied himself and has rediscovered his physicality in the tight areas of the pitch. He’s doing his job in a team that wins. I think Schmidt will capitalise on their familiarity at SRP level and Swain’s physicality is just another layer of ball carrier to use in his phase attack.
Blindside Flanker: Rob Valentini
Form is temporary, class is permanent. The Brumbies back rower stands out even when he comes toe to toe with the best in the game because he’s at that level.
Openside Flanker: Fraser McReight
Carlo Tizzano may be the most unlucky player in Australia when it comes to selection but McReights chemistry with Wilson and the halfback pairing sets him apart. He’s signed on until 2028, he’s a key piece for Joe Schmidt in this Lions series.
Number 8: Harry Wilson
I do think it’s possible that Schmidt could shift his back row to include a McZanno combination. Including both opensides could see Valentini move to number 8, but I predict Schmidt will continue with his back row from November. The three players as a combination went from strength to strength during their Spring Tour and Harry Wilson was integral to that. His leadership qualities give him an edge as well.
Scrumhalf: Tate McDermott
If Noah Lolesio’s form continues on it’s current trajectory, it’s going to be hard for Joe Schmidt to select him. His decision to leave for Japan won’t help either. With this in mind, I can see Schmidt relying on Super Rugby Pacific’s hottest combination, the Queensland Reds’ halfback duo. Tate is running this team so well from both the start and off the bench. I think he’s showing Schmidt that he’s taken his feedback on board.
Flyhalf: Tom Lynagh
The 21-year-old is putting in some serious performances and doesn’t have a second to breathe with Harry McLaughlin Phillps hot on his heels. The Reds’ number 10 has been kicking his goals and unlocking his backline in the key areas of the pitch. Ben Donaldson is close and there’s an argument for looking at Nic White too.
Left Wing: Filipo Daugunu
Max Jorgensen’s injury has created an opportunity for another outside back to make a splash. Daugunu was named in Schmidt’s first teamsheet after an impressive season for the Rebels. Well the winger / outside centre has had an even better start to the season this year and I think Schmidt will show us what might have been before Daugunu went down to injury.
Centre Combination: Len Ikitau & Joseph Sua’ali’i
Twickenham. That’s it, that’s the argument…
The two centres are interchangeable in Joe Schmidt’s backline. Dan McKellar is wasting valuable time putting him in the back three but Schmidt has seen and knows the way. The million dollar man belongs in the centre where he can rack up more touches and implement his physicality. This is the way. This is the way.
Right Wing: Harry Potter
The Force winger has had a great season thus far. He has a try and big hit highlight reel to boot and benefits most from Andrew Kellaway’s Waratah woes. Potter made his debut late last year so is familiar with Joe Schmidt’s style of play, but he’ll need a strong second half of the season to prove he deserves his spot.
Full Back: Tom Wright
Wright flourished under Schmidt, he was even firing during the Rugby Championship which is often overlooked because of the wayward results. His arcing runs could be a point of difference against a Lions back three who are unfamiliar with one another.
Bench: 16-23: Brandon Paenga Amosa, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Luhkan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.