Up and Coming Aussies: The young bucks ready to take on Super Rugby in 2019
Every year, the rugby public get to see the latest talent that the Australian Super Rugby franchises have managed to unearth in the off season.
The likes of Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale and David Pocock all seamlessly transitioned at a young age from schoolboy footy to successfully plying their trade in arguably the hardest competition in world rugby.
This year is no different with many gifted youngsters potentially set to grace our TV screens in the coming months, making this an ideal time to highlight some of the current crop.
To shorten my long list of names, a player must fit the following criteria:
- Is aged 20 or younger
- Has played less than 2 Super Rugby games
- Hasn’t appeared (or is unlikely to appear) in the starting lineup.
So no Jordan Petaia, Harry Hoopert, Tate McDermott or Rob Valentini, who are already established members of their sides.
Brumbies
Len Ikitau (Position: Centre – Age: 20)
Len Ikitau is a hard-running, former Australian Schoolboy centre who is on the verge of Super Rugby selection in 2019.
After being picked up by the Brumbies straight after school, Ikitau has had a streamlined path to the top grade through the Brumbies academy.
A balanced runner who isn’t afraid to do the hard yards in attack, Ikitau has the ability to break tackles at ease, although it’s his defensive ability that catches the eye.
Ikitau possesses an amazing tackle technique, particularly his late dip, allowing him to generate power and drive through the tackle contest.
2 NRC campaigns and a Rising Star award in round 7 last year, Ikitau has shown he is ready for the step up into Super Rugby.
The challenge will be difficult given a certain Tevita Kuridrani is in front of him but Ikitau is up to the task.
Mack Hansen (Position: Fullback/Flyhalf – Age: 20)
After shining in the John Dent Cup, 2018 was Hansen’s first to dip his toe in the professional waters and the 19-year old went on to represent the Australian u20’s, impressing from fullback.
An old school rugby brain without a big flashy step or unseen strength, Hansen’s talent is the ability to unlock others. A rare players player, who at his best, brings the rest of the team with him.
The fullback/flyhalf had an excellent campaign with the Junior Wallabies in France, showcasing his eye for the try line on several occasions.
The sky is the limit for Hansen and if an injury strikes Banks or Muirhead, Hansen could make his debut for the Canberrans.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Ross (Prop), Bayley Kuenzle (Flyhalf/Inside Centre)
Waratahs
Patrick Tafa (Position: Blindside Flanker/no.8 – Age: 19)
Coming from a rugby family, Patrick Tafa’s father represented Manu Samoa.
Much is also expected of Tafa, an absolute specimen at 194cm and 114kg, and he is now in contention for NSW after making the switch from Queensland.
Tafa is everything you’re searching for in a number 8 or flanker. A big, bustling, tackle breaking ball carrier who has the tenacity to burst through any defence but also the deft hands of an outside back.
A Wycliff Palu clone, the Waratahs will be hoping for a big year from the no.8 to fill their ongoing hole in that position.
If Tafa can pick up his work rate in the Shute Shield, look for him to be included on the Waratahs bench later in the year.
Will Harrison (Position: Flyhalf – Age: 19)
Darryl Gibson earmarked Harrison as a star for the future earlier this year but there is a chance we will see a sneak peak in 2019.
Will Harrison is a dangerous fly-half who possesses all the skills required to round himself into a world class fly-half.
Having trained with the Waratahs for most of 2018, Harrison spent the back half of the NRC guiding the Sydney team around the park and all eyes will be on his performances in Shute Shield in his first full season in first grade.
Harrison likes to take the ball to the line and play flat, characteristics which allow you to provide space for your ball carriers and outside backs.
Having skippered the Australian Schoolboys two years ago, the 19 year old is already in an enviable position of being just one injury away from making the Waratahs 23.
With just Bernard Foley and Mack Mason in front of him in the depth charts, look for Harrison’s name to pop up more then once this season.
Honorable Mentions: Ben Donaldson (Fullback/Flyhalf) and James Ramm (Wing)
Reds
Fraser McReight (Position: Openside Flanker – Age: 20)
Fraser McReight is another openside flanker in the Queensland production line, following in the footsteps of David Pocock, Liam Gill and most recently Liam Wright.
A player that has been closely followed by many talent scouts since school, McReight represented Queensland and Australia at all age groups and is now looking to take his talents further.
Playing NRC for Brisbane City in 2018, McReight proved he was up to the challenge.
Dominant in the tackle contest, McReight’s go to skill is the jackal and proved to be a menace at the breakdown, a true compliment.
McReight’s also has an underrated ball carry and picked up 142 metres in just 36 carries in the NRC, with his skill on the ground allowing him to gain every last metre of his 100kg frame.
With George Smith now gone and Brad Thorn trusting his younger cohort, McReight is strongly in line for at least a bench spot and seems that he is only 1 injury away from being in contention for a starting place.
Watch this space.
Harry Wilson (Position: Back Row/Second Row – Age: 20)
Hailing from Tamworth in rural New South Wales, Wilson is a competitive country boy.
After 2 years of representing Queensland and Australia at schoolboy level, Wilson moved straight into Queensland Premier Rugby for Brothers.
One standout season later and after being named the U19 Player of the year in QPR, Wilson was rewarded with a fulltime Super Rugby contract.
An athletic player with incredible offloading ability, his dangerous running game means defenses often have to commit a number of players to deal with him, creating space for teammates.
Comfortable in the second or back row, if Wilson can improve the defensive aspect of his game, there is no doubt he will continue his development and be rewarded with an opportunity on the big stage.
Honorable mentions: Jack Hardy (Centre/Wing), Isaac Lucas (Utility back)
Rebels
Trevor Hosea (Position: Second Row – Age: 19)
Trevor Hosea is a giant.
Literally.
Standing at 203cm and 115kg, Hosea is an imposing figure who is just starting to build into his extremely large frame in just his second season since finishing school in 2018.
A local Melbourne product, Hosea has all the raw physical attributes to be something special and if the Rebels teach him how to use his gifts, look out.
Naturally, his lineout work forms a major part of his repertoire and provides a point of difference to many young locks who are still learning the tricks of the trade.
Looking at his trial form with the starting XV, Hosea has proven to be a ferocious ball carry who provides plenty of go-ahead and he isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the dirty work.
Much like Wilson at the Reds, if Hosea can pick up his defensive workload, look for him to jag a bench spot.
Esei Ha’angana (Position: Back Row/Second Row – Age: 19)*
The other side of the coin to Hosea is big Esei Ha’angana, another absolute specimen.
The young backrower possesses raw power and mental toughness which makes him a coaches favourite.
Not afraid to make his tackles and chime in with ball carries, Ha’angana also excels at ruck time with his abrasive clean out.
Representing Australia in the junior pathways, Ha’angana is the Rebels youngest ever debutant at just 18 years and 15 days.
Having started on the bench in round 1, it’s clear he has impressed the Rebels coaching staff enough to snag a spot ahead of some quality players.
If Ha’angana can work on the technical aspects of both the lineout and scrum, look for him to become an absolute beast.
Honorable mentions: Sione Tui (Outside back)
*Note* Although Ha’angana is technically ineligible seeing as he has played 5 matches, we included him as he is one to watch this season.
Rugby World Cup City Guides – Oita:
Comments on RugbyPass
Thanks Nick, and totally correct. Definately too many teams which is unfortunately an effect of the 21st century hubris that began after our 2nd World Cup win. Honestly we weren't like that before then. If NZ beat us in a Rugby League or cricket series (which has occasionally happened) they don't all of a sudden think they are our equal or even better than us. Unfortunately for Australia, we got carried away with ourselves and wanted to jump from 4th biggest football code to biggest…in 5 minutes. More teams, more matches against the All Blacks (so we could beat them even more). Bring it on. It’s been all down hill since then. Assuming Melbourne are gone, there are very good reasons to keep the remaining 4 in SR, or so it would seem. The Force?…wronged previously, and have $s. Surely not. The Brumbies?….easily the best performed. Surely not. The Waratahs?….most players (50%) and most followers. Surely not. The Reds?….easily the best current team, and nearly as many players and followers as the Waratahs. Surely not. I’d argue that based on how strong the combined Reds n Rebs would be and how strong a combined team of all of the other Oz SR teams would be, we have players for 2 teams…..which would be good. Good enough for a propper SR competition…or maybe good enough for Japan….if they’ll have us. Existing SR teams?….keep them and have them play a second tier…or maybe NZ's NRC….if they'll have us. This is biting the bullet. We have the cattle
1 Go to commentsbest news and very helpful
4 Go to commentsA year ago Ireland and France looked impressive. In this 6N neither looked special. Both have lost good players, but more importantly teams have figured out how to shut them down. In particular the Irish loss to a rebuilding England and the home game struggle against a brave Scotland did nothing to prove that the Irish RWC result was undeserved. If the Scots can shut down the Irish attack, then SA can do so with interest. Rassie will have watched that game with confidence. Farrell is smart, and the Irish team is talented, so we should expect a more creative game plan in SA. But if all they bring is what they showed against Scotland then Ireland is going to struggle against the Boks. It was a fun 6N tournament, but the win for Ireland was as much about weak competition as about Irish brilliance. It was mostly due to France being off the boil, Wales and Italy not being contenders, and Scotland being a home game. England are looking much better, but “much better” should not be enough to topple a team that is supposed by some to be The Best in the World. I hope that Ireland can bump it up a notch or two for the Bok tour. A year ago they were fantastic to watch. It would be great to see that again.
24 Go to commentsLooking forward to the Wallabies being competitive again. No doubt that Joe can get them back on track.
1 Go to commentsThanks, Nick, not only for this fine article, but for all the others during 6N 2024. I really enjoyed this 2024 tournament, and felt it was one of the best for many years. That final match in Lyons was really good. England were certainly unlucky when that speculative hack by Ramos lead to a French try. It could just so easily have landed in English hand.s, and they score at the other end. I did think though that the French played some great rugby, and some of their driving play in the forwards was just fearsome. I watched Meafou with interest, and he has a good start to his career. It is interesting to compare him with Will Skelton. Lot of similarities, though so far Meafou has not shown any offloading threat. All credit to Borthwick for being prepared to change, and what great result, even if that last game was lost at the death. I feel they are a real chance to cause the AB’s problems this winter/summer. Finally a comment on Ireland. I thought their last game was their worst, and they did not look like the world’s No 2 side at all. What really worries me is that the loss to England was, in my view, down to poor decision making by the coaching group, and ofc Andy Farrell wears that. It was a big mistake to move JGP away from scrum half. Murray should have been the one to go to the wing. And the “finishers” should have been on the field earlier. And this is the second time this has happened. The RWC Qf against the AB’s, and not getting Crowley onto the field was a huge mistake. Finally, finally, watching Italy play was a joy. How wonderful that they are no longer the punchbag of the 6 N.
43 Go to commentsGreat story. Rugby needs new investment in teams like Brussels another pro league in Europe would be great.
1 Go to commentsAlso, looking at the data from last year, it seemed like by far the two biggest predictors of success were (1) kicking more than your opponents, and (2) having a higher rate of line-out wins than your opponents. I haven’t gone through the stats this year with a fine tooth comb, but the increase in kicks per game and the increase in tries from lineouts would suggest that these two metrics are only getting more important. England’s move away from a kick-heavy game to win against Ireland was seen by some as evidence that running rugby is on the rise. Alternatively it could be taken as evidence that if one team kicks more, and the other team wins more lineouts (as England did) a match is bound to be close to a draw.
2 Go to commentsI have been finding it odd that points per 22 entry has become such a talked about stat, given that your points per entry can be driven down by having more entries. These data would seem to confirm that it isn’t a useful metric, or at any rate is less useful than total entries.
2 Go to commentsI think the last two games England have played is some of their best rugby they have played under Borthwick. There has been a lot more attacking instinct and as a reward have created some well worked tries. Ollie Lawrence is a good foil at 12 as he offers the hard direct lines whilst the rest of the backs can play open. As much as it pains me to say but I do hope England keep playing this way. On a side note my favourite try of the weekend was Lorenzo Pani’s for the nice loop play that put him away and his finish was excellent. Thanks as always Nick.
43 Go to commentsMost exciting player on the planet right now, worth the price of a ticket.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith and Ireland live rent free in Safa’s heads. Their comments only triggers because its true. If the Boks had dismantled a 14 man AB’s, then there would be more respect. But they didnt, in fact quite the opposite, the 14 man NZ were clearly better. And the Bok have always been ordinary between RWC’s, thats why their supporters are now ‘only RWC’s matter’. They know thats BS. Its BS to both AB’s and Bok’s due to their history. But now its all the Safas have. Now we’ll hear excuses when they lose “oh we didnt have all our players available, the ABs/France/Eng/Irel were at full strength”, forgetting for a minute that its because of their own dumb policy. Oh well, makes a change from blaming ‘cheating refs’.
24 Go to commentsNo Nick, they did not, in fact, justify any ‘probables’ label. At no time did they seriously compete for the championship. Ireland led from start to finish and in the end, as a result of glaring referee errors, were never under serious pressure to lose their crown.
43 Go to commentsMoney for him, and his family, has been the sole motivator since he signed for Queensland aged 17. Why else sign for Melbourne. Tupou is poorly advised. If he’d stayed and developed in NZ he would have had a long Test career. If Leinster offer him a few more coins than he’s currently earning, he’s goneburger.
4 Go to commentsFinn. No one would say Ford had played well up until the last game. One standout performance in 5 is hardly in form . It should be a given that a 10 will control play . Not in Fords case be praised for suddenly doing so. Where was he against Scotland ,Italy. The pundits were saying how far away from play he was standing and one even said that the Ireland game was his last chance saloon to perform . Not exactly top form catching anyones eye. If he can play like this game after game then great. Keep him in . But after 90 odd caps we all know he just doesnt keep it going . By all means keep him there but the issue is that Borthwick will persist even when he plays poorly. Which is more often than not. Thats why i am concerned that Smith ,despite fab form , cannot get a game at his preferred spot. Can you imagine Ford at full back .
5 Go to commentsI do not really get why put Ollivon at 6 when he’s a 7, while Cros was the best Frenchman of the tournament, playing at…6. His only game replacing Aldritt at 8 doesn’t change much in terms of his impact. Lamaro was also outstanding in that brilliant Italian side, probably better than Reffell. So putting 2 Welsh players from the wooden spoon holders, and none of the 4th nation (Scotland) is also strange. Is it about showing that in this harsh transition Wales is, there were some standouts…?
6 Go to commentsThe events at this year’s six nations should undermine many of the arguments made against promotion and relegation between the six nations and the REC. If Italy had been allowed to yo-yo between divisions it conceivably could have really hurt their development, but if Italy, Wales, and Scotland are all at risk of relegation, with none of them being relegated more often than once every 3 or 4 years, you’d have to back all of them to muddle on through it, especially when you factor in the likelihood they’ll still be guaranteed world league matches against tier 1 opponents. Another way of looking at italys resurgence would be to say that the development model of adding an extra team to the six nations has worked, and now must be done again. Georgia could join to make it a 7 team round robin, and if and when Georgia demonstrate an ability to consistently win games, Portugal can also be added to make it an 8 team 2 conference competition. Frankly at this point I think it falls to world rugby to demand that the 6N act in the interests of the game. If the 6N won’t commit to expansion then the 6N teams should be handicapped in world cup draws (i.e. world cup seedings would not be based on their ranking points, but on their ranking points minus a 5 point penalty).
6 Go to commentsSteve Borthwick deserves credit for releasing the shackles on his England side and letting them play in a manner that somewhat resembles the top sides in the Gallagher Premiership. Will they revert to type in New Zealand in July.?
43 Go to commentsJames Lowe wouldn't get in any other 6N team. He's a great example of Farrell’s brilliance, and the Irish system. He is slow. His footwork is poor. But he fits perfectly in that Irish system, and has a superb impact. But put him in another team, and he'll look bang average.
6 Go to commentsCrusaders reached their heights through recruitment of North Island players, often leaving those NI teams bereft of key players. Example: Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock robbed the Canes of their lineout and AB locks. For years the Canes have struggled at lock. This rabid recruitment was iniated by rule changes by a Crusader dominated NZR Head Office. Now this aggressive recruitment has back-fired, going after young inside back Hamilton Boys stars. They now have 4 Chiefs region 10s and not one with the requisite experience at Super level. Problems of their own making!
4 Go to commentsOver rated for a long time…exposed at scrum time too.
4 Go to comments