The Future of Rugby: Australia U23
After examining the future of what Scottish rugby may look like, we now move on to Australia in our series on U23 rugby in the top eight nations in the world.
There have been noticeable improvements in two areas of Australian rugby in recent years and that has been in the depth and competition the nation is producing in the front row, as well as the improvements made across the board at the U20 level last season. Both of those features show up heavily in our XV below.
For the purposes of this selection, only players aged 23 years of age or below on May 1st 2020 were considered eligible, yet there were still plenty of tough calls to make, most noticeably in the back row and among the props.
- Jack Maddocks, Waratahs
An honourable mention for Isaac Lucas, with the versatile Reds playmaker capable of featuring in this XV at multiple positions, though Maddocks is the leading contender at this point in time. The former Melbourne Rebel has seen his opportunities to impress at the Waratahs limited by the Coronavirus outbreak, but he is a proven performer with the Wallabies already and offers Dave Rennie consistency moving forward.
- Jordan Petaia, Reds
Petaia burst onto the scene last year when he made the Australian Rugby World Cup squad, though keen watchers of age-grade rugby will have already been well aware of his offensive ability on the wing or at outside centre. If he can stay fit, the sky is the limit for Petaia, who looks to be on a trajectory towards plenty of caps in the green and gold of the Wallabies.
- Campbell Magnay, Melbourne Rebels
Like Petaia, Magnay burst onto the scene at an early age, although his path has since diverged somewhat from that early steep upward trajectory. He moved to Japan for a period, something which took him off the radar for the Wallabies, though he is now back in Australia and with the Rebels. If he can begin to build on that early promise, there’s no reason why he can’t get himself back in contention for senior international involvement.
The Quarter finals begin this evening!
? @02msmith vs @HRFJones
? @Mako_Vunipola vs @nowellsy15Live at 6:30pm #RugbyPassFIFAPros pic.twitter.com/25m0WIuZj6
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 8, 2020
- Noah Lolesio, Brumbies
The Auckland-born centre has thrived at the Brumbies and is one of the key building blocks in their youth movement moving forward. His transition from age-grade rugby to Super Rugby has been a smooth one and he is a player that Rennie will likely have his eye on, especially if he is looking for a distributing and creative option at inside centre.
- Mark Nawaqanitawase, Waratahs
The 19-year-old wing has another year of U20 eligibility left, although off the back of his early season performances for the Waratahs, there’s a very good chance his availability for the U20s would have been limited, as the Sydney-based franchise began to lean on him in the matchday 23. Alongside Petaia, Rennie has two exciting new wings to blood and build around over the coming seasons.
- Reesjan Pasitoa, Brumbies
Will Harrison and Hamish Stewart have the advantage on Pasitoa in terms of years of experience and Super Rugby involvement, though the Brumbies 10 is a rare mix of technical and physical talent. The Brumbies successfully warded off interest from the NRL and AFL in the gifted playmaker and he has already made his senior debut, despite the fact this is just his first season out of school. If they can manage his development successfully, he could be the next long-term Wallaby fly-half.
- Tate McDermott, Reds
There have been a number of false dawns among young Australian scrum-halves in recent years and the side has still been heavily reliant on the likes of Will Genia and Nic White. McDermott won’t want to fall in that same trap, as he has the athleticism around the fringes and measured passing game to be a good option at international level in the future.
- Angus Bell, Waratahs
Harry Hoopert is another name here, whilst Harry Johnson-Holmes even has a cap for the Wallabies, something which makes the decision to include Bell even more significant. Bell was the global pick of looseheads in U20 rugby last season and his potent blend of physicality and set-piece skill should come to the fore in Super Rugby sooner rather than later.
- Jordan Uelese, Melbourne Rebels
Mentions for Lachlan Lonergan and Alex Mafi, both of whom illustrate the depth and competition that Australian rugby is building in the front row positions, though Uelese holds them both off for now. The hooker has made himself an integral part of the Rebels squad and has thrown his hat into the mix with Tolu Latu and Folau Fainga’a to be the Wallaby incumbent moving forward.
- Taniela Tupou, Reds
This spot was always going to go to Tupou, or the ‘Tongan Thor’ as he is otherwise known, thanks to his impressive displays for both the Reds and the Wallabies in recent seasons. It’s hard to see anyone displacing Tupou in the short-term, though if a challenge is going to come, don’t rule out Shambeckler Vui, whose potential is considerable if he can bring his set-piece game up to the same level of his contributions in the loose.
- Izack Rodda, Reds
The Reds theme continues with Rodda, with the abrasive and physical lock having made himself an important part of the starting Australian pack. With Rob Simmons heading into the twilight of his career and Adam Coleman and Rory Arnold having packed their bags for Europe, Rodda could soon find himself as the cornerstone on the Wallaby engine room.
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Reds
Salakaia-Loto can play in the second row or at blindside and is another example of the excellent work the Reds have been doing bringing through their talented youngsters in recent seasons. He holds off the likes of Nick Frost and Harry Hockings for now, though his long-term position for Australia may end up being predominantly as a flanker.
- Harry Wilson, Reds
The Reds’ domination of this pack continues as Wilson narrowly edges out the Waratahs’ Pat Tafa, with both having impressed for the U20 side last season. Wilson was the perfect physical foil for the mobility and jackaling on offer with Australia’s fetcher opensides. The only thing that could hold Wilson back is if the Wallabies, thanks to their stock of opensides, opt for a pair of them in their back row, rather than the more physical option that Wilson offers.
- Fraser McReight, Reds
A bold call to go with McReight over his club teammate and Reds captain Liam Wright, with both offering bucket loads of ability and potential. McReight may end up having to leave Queensland if he is to truly flourish outside of Wright’s shadow and there is no doubt that Rennie will be keen to work with both of them moving forward. It is McReight’s vice-like grip over the ball on the deck that swung this call his way.
- Will Harris, Waratahs
Last but certainly not least we come to Harris. Harris was an integral part of the U20 back row alongside Wilson, Tafa and McReight last season and offers something that has become somewhat rare in Australian rugby, a traditional power-carrying No 8. Australia don’t lack for options in the back row, though Harris is a little bit different to most of the back rowers who have been produced in recent seasons.
Comments on RugbyPass
9 Brumbies! What a joke! The best performing team in Oz! Ditch Skelton for Swain or Neville. Ryan Lonergan ahead of McDermott any day! Best selection bolter is Toole … amazing player
12 Go to commentsI like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
8 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
8 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
8 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
8 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
3 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to comments