Wallabies 2025

[BDA]

Sua'ali'i definitely makes things tricky. Providing he returns from injury soon-ish and plays well, he's almost certainly in the matchday 23 and probably in the starting XV.

In my view, the guaranteed selections from 11-15 and 22-23 are Ikitau, Jorgensen, Wright and Sua'ali'i. We almost certainly need a replacement 10 on the bench as no one else is a reasonable option to slot in there so you probably limit it to just the 23 jersey on the bench.

So there's 6 jerseys to fill and four players pretty much locked-in in my view.

I'd be tempted to stick with Ikitau and Sua'ali'i at 12/13 as there doesn't look to be as many good centre options and then you pick Daugunu in the 23 jersey as cover for 13 and wing.

I think that's where I'd be leaning too. We seem to have an abundance of good wingers and but there's not many guys really knocking down the door to fill that other centre spot. Paisami is experienced and solid but perhaps a little one dimensional. Sua'ali'i definitely has the size and physicality to be a presence at centre.

 

[TSR]

Probably, but neither justified their airfare last year

Agree. Schmidt isn’t going to bring them in on the basis of what they did 2-3 yrs ago and both have shown in the last 2 yrs that if they aren’t fully fit and in form then picking them on past achievements is a wasted selection.

 

[Tomikin]

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[The Ghost of Raelene]

Tend to agree on Jorgo, super talented but still gets shut out in some games like vs the Reds.. Experience in how get involved and come off the wing a bit more is needed i think. Not sold that he is an automatic starter for the Lions tour, by 2027 RWC no doubt he will be.

I want strong abrasive wingers, Pietsch and Daugunu are the current choice for me, constantly look for work, tackle like freight trains and fight for every single meter in contact. Kellaway might have the experience and utility value to cover 15 as well which saves him a spot on the bench, but he isn’t better than those other wingers mentioned above or Potter or Jorgensen.

I don't disagree with the points re abrasive players. It's my personal view we need more especially in the pack if we are to compete with the best but, with Jorgo I think I take the freak in my side. He has that bit of magic and presence to be in the spot for the intercept or the chip and volley that leads to a try. It's happening too much at such a young age to be a fluke.

In games that should be tight affairs I think we need a couple guys who can pull the rabbit out the hat and the defence need to know where they are. For a smaller body he is also good in contact and often beats the first defender. Defence has been strong as well and he wouldn't be considered a liability even though others offer a bigger physical presence.

Good place to be for the Wallabies with a solid group of 5-6 that could get a start and it be justified.

 

[rugbyAU]

Would people have Gleeson or Uru in the #20 jersey?

 

[Wilson]

Would people have Gleeson or Uru in the #20 jersey?

Uru, but I'd also have Skelton as my bench lock.

 

[Adam84]

I don't disagree with the points re abrasive players. It's my personal view we need more especially in the pack if we are to compete with the best but, with Jorgo I think I take the freak in my side. He has that bit of magic and presence to be in the spot for the intercept or the chip and volley that leads to a try. It's happening too much at such a young age to be a fluke.

In games that should be tight affairs I think we need a couple guys who can pull the rabbit out the hat and the defence need to know where they are. For a smaller body he is also good in contact and often beats the first defender. Defence has been strong as well and he wouldn't be considered a liability even though others offer a bigger physical presence.

Good place to be for the Wallabies with a solid group of 5-6 that could get a start and it be justified.

I agree he is an exceptional talent; I think his lack of experience and chasing that 'bit of magic' in a B&I Lions series could come off more as rocks & diamonds rather than brilliance. I look at him similar to Tom Wright a few years back, just needs to pick the moments a bit better(more a test level issue then Super Rugby) and get more involved off the ball. Would be in my top 4 wingers, just don't think I'd want him starting.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Lack on involvement seems to eb and flow with how Kellaway has been up and down in form as well as a change at 10. He has a lower error rate than Wright did and I trust him defence far more.

I'd have Jorgo and Daugunu personally but have no qualms with Pietsch or Potter if selected. JAS is another option that will get spoken about. Has played Centre for the Wallabies and Fullback for the Tahs but I can imagine them loving the size and target he'd be for cross kicks.

 

[dru]

Uru, but I'd also have Skelton as my bench lock.

Skelton is the key issue. It comes with a risk of a disjointed back 5. If we limit his schedule to coming off the bench, then tie it up with Uru, thenthis removes the worst of that disjointed risk. Otherwise I'm happy with Gleeson. Might also be worth thinking about a 6/2.

 

[rugbyAU]

I'm a bit worried about our depth past Bell at LHP

 

[RebelYell]

I've been absolutely proven wrong on Jorgensen. He is quality.

 

[Adam84]

I'm a bit worried about our depth past Bell at LHP

You watch Alex Hodgman demolish the Highlander scrum on the weekend?

I’ve long been a critic of our prop depth, but this year I’m actually more comfortable than previous and slightly excited.

Blake Schoupp is doing well at the Brumbies, Aidan Ross is Wallaby eligible and signed to play in Oz in in 2026, heck even Sef Fa’agase has hit the best form I’ve seen him play/scrummage.

Isaac Kailea and Marley Pearce are continuing to develop also, but probably not ready for 2026z

Agree there is a step down behind Bell, but it’s not falling off the cliff like it was in previous years.

Same goes for THP behind AAA and Tupou; guys like Nonggor, Du Lutis and Robertson are also putting down a marker for that Wallaby squad position,

 

[Major Tom]

You watch Alex Hodgman demolish the Highlander scrum on the weekend?

I’ve long been a critic of our prop depth, but this year I’m actually more comfortable than previous and slightly excited.

Blake Schoupp is doing well at the Brumbies, Aidan Ross is Wallaby eligible and signed to play in Oz in in 2026, heck even Sef Fa’agase has hit the best form I’ve seen him play/scrummage.

Isaac Kailea and Marley Pearce are continuing to develop also, but probably not ready for 2026z

Agree there is a step down behind Bell, but it’s not falling off the cliff like it was in previous years.

Same goes for THP behind AAA and Tupou; guys like Nonggor, Du Lutis and Robertson are also putting down a marker for that Wallaby squad position,

Nah can’t take robertson seriously. An untried Van Nek is better option than him. Agree with all your other THP and LHPs though.

 

[Dctarget]

After 6 rounds and a few head to heads, who starts at 10?
- Donaldson
- Lolesio
- Lynagh

 

[Strewthcobber]

After 6 rounds and a few head to heads, who starts at 10?
- Donaldson
- Lolesio
- Lynagh

All 3 will make the squad.

Lolesio starts (probably)

And Schmidt's desicion as to who starts at 10 won't have anything to do with their head-to-heads, or how they went over the first 6 rounds of super rugby.

 

[Dctarget]

And Schmidt's desicion as to who starts at 10 won't have anything to do with their head-to-heads, or how they went over the first 6 rounds of super rugby.

yeah well I don't really want to do my actual work do I?

 

[dru]

On form I'd have 1. Donaldson, 2. Lynagh, 3. JOC (James O'Connor), 4. Lolesio, 5. Creighton - though how you rate a finisher like JOC (James O'Connor) I'm not sure.
The head to heads will have an impact on selection, surely, though the only form that will be important is the form when selecting, not now. And incumbency has it's merits.

Personally, as good as Lynagh is, I'm not sure when I get past the "give him time" thinking. This season possibly but I don't think he is on the slate yet. I know plenty have contrary views, but JOC (James O'Connor) makes the squad, probably at 22 for me. if 6/2 bench then he might still make 23. The experience and flexibility are the selling points with JOC (James O'Connor).

My Reds bias showing through, I think Lynagh will prove the higher ceiling, but right now I am a coin flip between Donaldson and Lolesio. I won't be complaining to see Lolesio start, it's just not where my head is at.

 

[LeCheese]

There's still a long way to go in the season, but I personally can't see Lolesio not being given at least the first couple of games as the experienced incumbent.

 

[Braveheart81]

There's still a long way to go in the season, but I personally can't see Lolesio not being given at least the first couple of games as the experienced incumbent.

It's tricky though. I think incumbency might matter a little less here. It's not like we have a test season to build into. If you are hesitant with the choice of picking the incumbent because they're the incumbent but you're concerned their form is down then the series might be over by the time you make the switch.

In my view Donaldson's form puts him first right now. Lolesio has obviously missed several games and we have the business end of the season remaining so anything could happen.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Not as high on JOC (James O'Connor) making it as others with some glimpses for the Saders who seem to building back into a good side. He's as likely as a guy like Foley IMO whos leading around one of the top teams in Japan and I'd put his chances at a 3/10.

Noah if fit will get first crack. Last years selections have to tell us that. Then Donaldson who has some really good attack in him at the moment which is great to see. Lynagh is playing well and goal kicking is excellent which probably boosts his overall perception. Can probably go past Noah and Ben in the coming years but right now he may have to bide his time which happens... Caveat to all this is a teams performance will shift the odds between Donaldson and Lynagh. If the Force crap out the back end here and the Reds continue to be a real contender and make a 2nd week of finals or better you bet it will count.