The winners and losers from Dave Rennie's first Wallaby squad
Dave Rennie has named his first Wallabies squad as head coach, selecting just 16 of the 31 players from last year’s Rugby World Cup in favour of the next wave of talent.
Rennie selected six of last year’s Junior Wallabies starting XV, that played France in the World U20s Championship Final in Argentina. They lost by one-point, but it was still a best ever finish from an Australian under-20s side.
After naming a players of national interest (PONI) list last month, the general shape of the squad appeared all but set ahead of the announcement on Sunday afternoon.
But the shock omissions of some of last year’s Wallabies in favour of some 16 uncapped players, has seen a number of winners and losers come out of the 44-man Wallabies squad.
Winners
Filipo Daugunu
Daugunu has arguably been the form winger of Super Rugby AU, and few would argue with his selection.
The 25-year-old gets busy around the park, and makes sure to make an impact in both attack and defence.
He’s scored the most tries in the Australian competition with six, and has run the most metres as well – but his impressive resume doesn’t stop there. He’s also had the most carries, made the most clean breaks, and has beaten the most defenders of any player.
Need I say more?
Harry Wilson
It was always a matter of when Wilson would be selected for the Wallabies, not if.
After playing for Gregory Terrace in Brisbane’s GPS high school competition, before starring for Brothers, the Junior Wallabies and Queensland Country, Wilson has made every step up look easy – and this hasn’t stopped at Super level.
In March, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said that he’d “fallen” for the Reds number eight, while Wilson’s coach Brad Thorn described him as “special.”
The 20-year-olds maturity, work rate that never stops, and offloading ability, already set him a class above other Australian number eights. He’s exactly what the Wallabies need to usher in a golden generation of success.
Irae Simone
One of the best players in Super Rugby AU, Simone simply had to be named in this squad. Born in New Zealand, the inside centre has made a name for himself playing consistently eye-catching rugby on the west of the Tasman.
Simone’s work rate, playmaking ability, and impact on defence have all contributed heavily to the Brumbies success as of late.
If you need reminding of just how impactful the 25-year-old has been, re-watch the Brumbies round nine match against the Force – he was simply outstanding, and could prove very useful for Dave Rennie depending on what combinations he decides to go with.
Len Ikitau
Ikitau has impressed in his chances off the bench recently, but not many would’ve expected to have seen him selected in the first Wallabies squad under Dave Rennie.
The 21-year-old was one of two uncapped players (Hunter Paisami) to have been selected after not having been named in the PONI list in August.
In his last three matches, the centre has come off the bench and had four try assist and one try – arguably outplaying starting thirteen Tevita Kuridrani.
Even though he’s performed well for the Junior Wallabies and Canberra Vikings in the past, but Ikitau’s selection is by far the biggest surprise of what’s to come for the Wallabies.
Tate McDermott
After breaking onto the Super Rugby scene a few years ago, many expected McDermott to take the step up to Wallaby gold in time for the next World Cup cycle – if not before then.
The Sunshine Coast-product has been one of the better players from Super Rugby AU, with his form over the last few weeks in particular, especially impressive.
His try against the Western Force in round eight was yet another example of his genius, with a 40-metre tap-and-go resulting in a try of the season contender.
McDermott has also made a mark on defence this season, with a few try saving tackles in round seven against the Rebels, and as recently as round ten with a fantastic showing of determination to chase down a runaway Tevita Kuridrani.
His ability to create something out of nothing and snipe around the breakdown is dangerous, and could prove lethal for the Wallabies attack if selected in the 23.
Trevor Hosea
Hosea might just be the find of the season, and will definitely be one to watch in the coming months.
Born in Victoria, Hosea made a career minded decision in 2016, moving to Brisbane Boys’ College to continue his development.
After graduating the year after, the up-and-comer spent a few years in the Rebels squad, but was made to wait for his debut. In the opening round of the Super AU campaign, he finally got his chance against the Brumbies.
He hasn’t looked out of place since.
Not only does Hosea ‘win’ by being selected, but Australian rugby will be better off with him featuring.
Will Harrison
Dave Rennie has plenty of options at flyhalf, and Will Harrison is certainly one to consider.
After starting at flyhalf in the Junior World Cup Final, the 21-year-old has made the Waratahs 10 jersey his own throughout 2020.
With kicking accuracy that barely ever misses, and a playmaking ability that’s only getting better and better, it’s no surprise to see him named – but with so much competition for the Wallabies 10 jersey, it’s up to him to make it his own.
Losers
Isi Naisarani
From starting at number eight for the Wallabies in their Quarter Final loss to England at last year’s Rugby World Cup, to being left out altogether – Isi Naisarani was a shock omission from Dave Rennie’s Wallabies plans.
The 25-year-old returned from a hamstring injury in round five of Super Rugby AU, and has arguably been the form player of the competition since.
Averaging nearly 15 carries and 12 tackles across his five performances, the backrower has a work rate and ability to get over the gain line that could’ve proved useful.
Jack Dempsey
Dempsey was another player from last year’s Rugby World Cup who couldn’t make the cut this time around.
The backrower started the Super AU season on the bench for the Waratahs, and at the time was definitely an outside chance of being named in a future national squad.
Dempsey has had a strong season since, where he’s stood out in both attack and defence. But his Wallabies fate looked set in August when he wasn’t named in the PONI list.
Tevita Kuridrani
Dave Rennie clearly wants to make the most of the talent coming through, selecting up-and-coming players and leaving more experienced players out.
Kuridrani has had a mixed season with the Brumbies, not performing to the same level that the ‘K-Train’ has in the past.
With young players like Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami gunning for the outside centre role with the Wallabies, there just wasn’t space in the 44-man squad for the 61-test veteran. Kuridrani faces an up-hill battle to get back in the Wallabies fold.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
1 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments