The Wallabies were able to gain some momentum with a win in the final Lions test, but they will face tougher challenges in this year’s Rugby Championship, kicking off their campaign against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
The blueprint emerged during the Lions Series, the Wallabies have to bring physicality and gain line success if they hope to put more wins on the board this year. Despite a shuffle around because of injuries, Schmidt is trying to build combinations, bank cohesion, and carry momentum into the Northern Tour.
Here’s who’s primed to make an impact, and who’s been left watching from home.
Hits
Ryan Lonergan — Following injury to incumbent scrumhalf Jake Gordon, Brumbies skipper Ryan Lonergan has finally been called up to the squad. This could be the series where Lonergan finally gets his opportunity at international level. Many see Lonergan as a long term scrumhalf option.
He possesses great playmaking skills, exceptional long-range kicking from the tee and from the base of the ruck, and is also a competent leader who can drive a team around the paddock. If selected he could join the starting team straight away, with Schmidt's preference to keep McDermott on the bench for impact.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto — After appearing in three Lions Tour matches from three separate outfits, Lukhan proved time and time again that he can bring the physicality to the test arena. Against the Lions, the Wallabies showed that you need an enforcer that brings aggression and gets under the skin of the opposition.
In South Africa, Salakaia-Loto will have to ramp it up to the next level if he is going to go toe-to-toe with the Springbok tight five. His gain line presence is a much-needed addition to the Wallabies pack.
Tane Edmed — The Wallabies have been forced to look further down the depth chart at flyhalf, with injury to first choice Noah Lolesio, and concussion ruling out Tom Lynagh for the Rugby Championship. Up steps Edmed, who gets another shot at the no.10 jersey after completing only three minutes on debut last year before leaving the field.
He will have to duke it out with Ben Donaldson, who was used sparingly off the bench during the Lions tour, and James O’Connor, who was not used at all. Against a physically dominant Bok pack, Edmed’s composure and tenacity could be invaluable.
Misses
Pete Samu — Despite his success in Europe, Joe Schmidt has again opted to leave him out of the Wallabies squad. The hybrid nature of his playing style and his lack of combinations with the Wallabies backrowers who ply their trade in Super Rugby may be counting against him.
Charlie Gamble — Another victim of Australia’s insane depth at flanker. His appearances during the Lions tours got people talking, with the vultures from European clubs circling. His effectiveness over the ball is world class and he has the physicality to make it at test level.
Allan Alaalatoa — Ruled out of the third Lions test due to a shoulder injury, Alaalatoa was battling to get fit in time to travel to South Africa. He has not recovered in time, and his presence in the scrum will be sorely missed against a monstrous South African front row. There is a chance he may yet feature in the Rugby Championship.