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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.
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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
Must be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
3 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
3 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
3 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to comments