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
Brayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to comments