With the season almost over, we can start looking to next year.
Always hard to predict who will play for the Wallabies before the Super Rugby season is played, but with some obvious trouble positions in the Wallabies, it's important we have some options to look at in Super Rugby.
Fullback:
Reds - sounds like Petaia is going to get that shot at fullback which, if successful, could have a real impact on the Wallabies.
Tahs - don't really have any strong contenders for the test jersey but Donaldson or Nawaqanitawase are darkhorses
Brumbies - had the pre-injury incumbent in Tom Banks who is the man most likely, finally looking confident (if not dominant) for the Wallabies.
Rebels - two leading contenders which will make selection interesting. Kellaway or Hodge? Will the Rebels see it the same way?
Force - again, not strong front runner but if he recaptures previous form, Byron Raltson sits a longside the Tahs players as options.
Flyhalf:
Reds - JOC (James O'Connor) will have the 10 jersey as long as he's fit, which is another issue. Can his body hold together?
Tahs - Harrison surely would have got a shot this year sans-Covid, but may battle for the Tahs 10 with Donaldson and perhaps Edmed
Brumbies - Lolesio is the man most likely if we keep things domestic so another season with Nic White will only help
Rebels - the experienced Matt To'omua a leading contender but I hope they use him to 'babysit' Carter Gordon who is my Wallaby bolter
Force - Lots of 10s in the squad, a couple they've shifted to fullback, but its likely between one of the recruits in Pasitoa and Kuenzle. Neither a legit chance next year.
Blindside:
Reds - Liam Wright may have a real battle on his hands with Angus Scott-Young but neither look to be real Wallaby contenders without the strong running game. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) a possible Wallaby option but unlikely to get much game time there for QLD
Tahs - Lachlan Swinton the likely starter but will Ned Hanigan play there on his return from Japan? Both Wallaby contenders
Brumbies - Samu will likely play 6 I am guessing just reinforcing the versatility asset he is to the Wallabies
Rebels - Rob Leota should make the spot his own this year after a break out 2021
Force - Fergus Lee-Warner and Tim Anstee might be options but the shape of the Force backrow is still a bit of an unknown.
Hooker:
Reds - Alex Mafi would have been a Wallaby this year if not for injury and will look to push his credentials next year.
Tahs - apparently Dave Porecki is highly acclaimed, but I don't see it. Could benefit from having one of the Brumbies
Brumbies - 3 Wallaby hookers and another on an RA deal. Two should relocate to get game time. But who is seen as the top two candidates?
Rebels - Jordan Uelese's late omission from the Wallaby squad was surprising and should be a strong contender again next year
Force - Feleti Kaituú hopefully won't suffer 2nd year season because he was outstanding this year. Will hopefully continue to push his credentials and step up a level next year.
Always hard to predict who will play for the Wallabies before the Super Rugby season is played, but with some obvious trouble positions in the Wallabies, it's important we have some options to look at in Super Rugby.
Fullback:
Reds - sounds like Petaia is going to get that shot at fullback which, if successful, could have a real impact on the Wallabies.
Tahs - don't really have any strong contenders for the test jersey but Donaldson or Nawaqanitawase are darkhorses
Brumbies - had the pre-injury incumbent in Tom Banks who is the man most likely, finally looking confident (if not dominant) for the Wallabies.
Rebels - two leading contenders which will make selection interesting. Kellaway or Hodge? Will the Rebels see it the same way?
Force - again, not strong front runner but if he recaptures previous form, Byron Raltson sits a longside the Tahs players as options.
Flyhalf:
Reds - JOC (James O'Connor) will have the 10 jersey as long as he's fit, which is another issue. Can his body hold together?
Tahs - Harrison surely would have got a shot this year sans-Covid, but may battle for the Tahs 10 with Donaldson and perhaps Edmed
Brumbies - Lolesio is the man most likely if we keep things domestic so another season with Nic White will only help
Rebels - the experienced Matt To'omua a leading contender but I hope they use him to 'babysit' Carter Gordon who is my Wallaby bolter
Force - Lots of 10s in the squad, a couple they've shifted to fullback, but its likely between one of the recruits in Pasitoa and Kuenzle. Neither a legit chance next year.
Blindside:
Reds - Liam Wright may have a real battle on his hands with Angus Scott-Young but neither look to be real Wallaby contenders without the strong running game. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) a possible Wallaby option but unlikely to get much game time there for QLD
Tahs - Lachlan Swinton the likely starter but will Ned Hanigan play there on his return from Japan? Both Wallaby contenders
Brumbies - Samu will likely play 6 I am guessing just reinforcing the versatility asset he is to the Wallabies
Rebels - Rob Leota should make the spot his own this year after a break out 2021
Force - Fergus Lee-Warner and Tim Anstee might be options but the shape of the Force backrow is still a bit of an unknown.
Hooker:
Reds - Alex Mafi would have been a Wallaby this year if not for injury and will look to push his credentials next year.
Tahs - apparently Dave Porecki is highly acclaimed, but I don't see it. Could benefit from having one of the Brumbies
Brumbies - 3 Wallaby hookers and another on an RA deal. Two should relocate to get game time. But who is seen as the top two candidates?
Rebels - Jordan Uelese's late omission from the Wallaby squad was surprising and should be a strong contender again next year
Force - Feleti Kaituú hopefully won't suffer 2nd year season because he was outstanding this year. Will hopefully continue to push his credentials and step up a level next year.
