u/RowFun5311

1. Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe

2. Kruger

3. Leota

4. Ross

5. Brial

6. Cleverley

7. Robinson

8. Langi

9. Grover

10. Mackay

11. Watters

12. Pritchard

13. Fittler

14. Farr-Jones

15. Charlie

16. Grenfell

17. Job

18. Langi

19. Fonua

20. Talaileva

21. Blank

22. Bird

23. Whitfield

Not our strongest team but not bad gutted that Jaques is still out hopefully we see him in the two final games and interesting that Taka has not been picked as I thought he has been excellent. Big test against the French who look like a proper team hopefully the boys can get it done.

After watching the game last night, I have to say I was very impressed with our props and locks. I was a little worried that our pack would be undersized, but the set piece went far better than I expected. That being said, three out of the four props in the 23 are now ageing, with James Slipper in his late 30s and both Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa in their early 30s. I also feel that to compete with the very best teams physically, we need more bulky locks like Lukhan Salakaia Loto and Will Skelton. My question is who in the development pipeline for these positions could we be seeing in the coming years post the 2027 Rugby World Cup. I know the Reds have Ross and Uys who look great and they have signed Kaiya Tafea long term. The Waratahs have Fonau and Langi, and then there is Leota and Kingbenjamin from abroad who are being integrated into the pathways system with the under 20s. I was just wondering, for those familiar with the junior systems, if there are any other standouts in these tight five positions we should be looking out for in the years to come, as Rugby Australia seems to be putting a heavy emphasis on improving these positions. Who from within Australia or abroad do people think, if developed properly, could become powerful assets for Australian rugby and the Wallabies?

Plenty of positives to take from this week's team. A lot of players stepped up in a major way. I do not expect many changes from this week's side, although there may be a few. I also reckon the bench split could look a little different. With that being said, here is my 23 to take on France at Suncorp next weekend.

1. Bell
2. Nasser
3. AAAA
4. Canham
5. Williams
6. Bobby V
7. McReight
8. Wilson

I would not change the starting pack that was picked against Ireland. I thought they did a great job and set a very stable platform for the backline. The set piece was also better than I expected, especially the lineout.

As for the backs, this would be my starting lineup.

1. Lonergan, if he is available. I believe he went off and failed a HIA, so he may have to sit out next week. If anyone knows more, let me know.
2. Gordon, if he is fit.
3. Pietsch
4. Len
5. Su
6. Jorgo
7. Campbell

Like the pack, I thought the backline performed really well and I do not think any changes are needed unless they are forced through injury.

I also thought Campbell was outstanding. For a guy who had not played a Test match for Australia since 2022, he looked like he had not missed a beat. He looked incredibly comfortable at the back and slotted straight into the side.

I also have to say that I did not really notice Tom Wright when he came on. Based on that, I actually think Tom Wright has a real fight on his hands to win back the starting number 15 jersey. What do people think about that?

How would everyone else select the starting 15? Would you make any changes?

Where I think things could look a little different is on the bench. Because of France's bigger bodies and physicality, I believe a six two split will be necessary. With that in mind, this is the bench I would go with.

1. BPA
2. Slipper
3. Tupou
4. Amatosero
5. Hooper
6. Cale
7. McDermott
8. Dono

I have replaced Shaw with Amatosero because he is a bigger body, and I think that will be important against France. This is also the kind of Test match where it would have been great to have Lukhan Salakaia Loto available. I would have had him starting and in the squad because I think his physicality, experience, and size will be sorely missed against France. That said, I think Amatosero is the closest alternative in terms of what Lukhan brings, and this could be a great opportunity for him to step up.

I also think Cale would be a great impact player. He brings speed, agility, lineout ability, and plenty of physicality with the ball in hand. If we do decide to go with a six two split, I think the backline changes pretty much pick themselves.

Overall, I am really looking forward to another weekend of Test match footy. If next weekend is even half as good as the games we saw last night, I will be more than happy. It will also be interesting to hear what everyone else thinks about the team, and hopefully Suncorp is another sell out.

Curios to here what people think about this as this years cohort has looked very strong. There are those like Pritchard, Eli Langi, Jaques, Mackay and others already on SRP or Top 14 contracts but of those who are not who makes that next step?

I know October is still a fair way away, but I thought it would be interesting to have a crack at picking an Australia A squad for the USA matches and see where everyone thinks Australian rugby's depth is currently at.

Looking at recent Australia A and Australia XV squads, they have generally been around the 30 player mark, so that is what I have based my selections on.

I have also tried to take into account the players that I think Les Kiss is likely to select for the Wallabies. With a new coaching staff and plenty of competition for spots, I expect there will be some changes to the Wallabies squad that was named last week, so I have based these selections on who I believe will be available for Australia A rather than simply picking the next best 30 players.

Keen to hear what changes people would make, who is unlucky to miss out, and whether there are any bolters who could force their way into contention before October.

With that in mind, here is the 30 man squad I have gone with for Australia A.

LHP: Lambert, Robertson, Tevita Alatini

Hooker: Fessler, Dobbins, Noss Lonergen

THP: MDL, Botha, Van Nek

Locks: Frost, Shaw, Philip, Blyth

Back Row: Scott, Reimer, Brial, Samu

Nine: Teddy Wilson, Grover

10: HMP, Mackay

Centres: Henry, Kadin Pritchard, Feliuai

Wingers: Ryan, Potter, Jacques, Treyvon Pritchard

Fbs: Harvey, Grealy

finally, here is the matchday 23 I would select from that group for the USA fixtures. 1. Lambert 2. Fessler 3. MDL 4. Frost 5. Shaw 6. Brial 7. Scott 8. Samu 9. Wilson 10. HMP 11. Ryan 12. Henry 13. Kadin Pritchard 14. Treyvon Prtichard 15. Harvey 16. Lonergan 17. Robertson 18. Van Nek 19. Philip 20. Reimer 21. Grover 22. Mackay 23. Jacques

Good side overall maybe just a shadow under full strength but should be more than enough to beat the Spanish. Thoughts on the team?

With just over a week to go until their campaign begins, Australia open their World Rugby U20 Championship against Spain. I’d still be naming the strongest possible side. Given the quality in this squad, I genuinely expect the Junior Wallabies to go deep in this tournament, at minimum winning two of their three pool games, and realistically pushing for three from three, including a big test against France. That’s the level this group I feel is capable of.

Even in a game like Spain, I think setting a standard early is important. Tournament rugby is about momentum, and this is a chance for the Junior Wallabies to make a statement from the outset rather than easing into the competition.

With that in mind, here’s the Matchday 23 I’d go with:

1. Job 2. Kruger 3. Leota 4. Ross 5. Fonua 6. Brial 7. Robinson 8. Eli Langi 9. Grover 10. Mackay 11. Farr-Jones 12. Pritchard 13. Jaques 14. Taka 15. Charlie 16. Grenfell 17. KB Swerling-Finaipepe 18. Edwin Langi 19. Harris 20. TJ Talaileva 21. Le Maitre 22. Geros 23. Fowler

I personally feel that, given the versatility across a number of the starting backs, as well as the adaptability and coverage provided by Geros off the bench, a 6–2 split is the right call. Especially when you consider the likelihood of coming up against more physical teams like France, and later in the tournament New Zealand, South Africa, and other sides of that calibre. The added impact, flexibility, and ability to cover multiple backline roles in tighter, more attritional matches is exactly why I’d lean that way, and it also allows for more bigger-bodied forwards on the bench to help match those teams physically.

Interested to hear thoughts on this, especially around selection balance and whether people agree with the 6–2 bench approach, or if there’s a different way of looking at it.

For years I mostly follow international rugby and Super Rugby, but lately I've been trying to get more into the pathways side of the game and identify some of the best young players coming through before they become household names.

With that in mind, I'm curious who people that regularly watch Shute Shield (1st Grade and Colts) and the Hospital Cup think are the standout prospects right now.

I've only watched a limited amount of club rugby so far, but one player who really stood out to me was Eamon Doyle at Sydney University. Another Sydney Uni player I've been impressed by is Joe Magensdorf.

For those who watch these competitions every week:

• Which players in Shute Shield 1st Grade could make the jump to Super Rugby?
• Which Colts players look like future Super Rugby players?
• Who are the best prospects currently playing in the Hospital Cup?
• Are there any players flying under the radar that casual fans might not know about yet?

For those who follow schoolboy rugby closely:

• Who are the early names to watch for future Australian Schoolboys and Australian U18 selection?
• Are there any players already being talked about as future Super Rugby or even Wallabies prospects?
• Which schools or programs seem to have the strongest crop coming through at the moment?

Interested to hear from people who watch these competitions regularly and have a good feel for who's coming through the system.

There are a few new faces in this Ireland squad and some significant injury absences, but it's still a strong group travelling down south. The biggest injury losses are probably Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter and Mack Hansen, while James Lowe is no longer in the Irish setup, so there's no doubt Australia will be facing a different-looking side in a few key areas.

That said, Ireland still has quality and experience throughout the squad, so this is far from a weakened team. Should Wallabies fans be feeling a little more confident than they would have if Ireland were arriving at full strength, or is this still pretty much the same challenge regardless of who's missing? The real question is whether Australia can take advantage of those absences and make home-ground advantage count.

What do people think?

With all Australian Super Rugby sides now eliminated and a full season of form to assess heading into the international window, and with the first Wallabies squad of the season likely to be named in the coming week or two, I thought I would put together a predicted 36 man squad and break it down position by position.

Loosehead props are Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, and Aidan Ross.

Hookers are Brandon Paenga Amosa, Billy Pollard, and Lachlan Lonergan.

Tighthead props are Allan Alaalatoa, Zane Nonggorr, Massimo De Lutiis, and Taniela Tupou as a possible inclusion.

Second row options are Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia Loto, Nick Frost, and Josh Canham.

Back row options are Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, and Charlie Cale.

Scrum halves are Tate McDermott, Ryan Lonergan, and Kalani Thomas.

Fly halves are Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson.

Centres are Len Ikitau, Joseph Suaalii, Josh Flook, and either Izaia Perese or Jordan Petaia as possible inclusions.

Wings are Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, Corey Toole, and Tim Ryan.

Fullbacks are Tom Wright and Jock Campbell.

The 36th man is Filipo Daugunu, who I have included as a utility back because he can cover both wing and centre without being locked into one position.

Loosehead prop is still a bit of a worry outside of Angus Bell. Bell is clearly the main man there but after him there is still a question mark over who actually owns that jersey. Robertson and Ross are solid enough but neither has really locked it down.

Tighthead prop is probably an even bigger concern. Allan Alaalatoa has been a reliable anchor in the past but his Super Rugby form this season has not been all that convincing. Outside of him, Zane Nonggorr has already been capped and is a decent scrummager but not someone who screams long term certainty. Massimo De Lutiis is still developing and looks good at Reds level but Test rugby is a big step up and he is still building towards that level. There is also Taniela Tupou and it would not be a surprise at all if he gets called up despite workload considerations. Personally I think Rugby Australia should be resting him for the July window given his northern hemisphere style season but with how thin things are at tighthead it would not be surprising if he is involved anyway.

Hooker is not a position I am overly worried about in terms of overall output but the key focus has to be lineout throwing which has been a real issue for a lot of Australian hookers throughout Super Rugby. Around the park in terms of tackling, carrying, and jackalling I think they are actually in a reasonable place.

The second row options are pretty solid and I am fairly comfortable with that group overall. The same goes for the back row which looks strong and well balanced across ball carrying, work rate, and breakdown impact.

Scrum halves are also fine in the context of this squad. They are not necessarily world leading options but they are solid and give Australia a workable balance.

At fly half I actually like both Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson. They offer different strengths which could be useful across a Test window depending on game plan and opposition.

The back three is another genuine area of strength. There is pace, finishing ability, and versatility across the group and it is one of the more settled parts of the squad compared to some of the forward positions.

The centre situation is probably the biggest issue in the squad but more so in terms of the players available rather than importance. There is just a lack of options right now due to injuries and general depth and quality concerns. Len Ikitau is in strong form and is the clear starting inside centre but beyond him there is a real drop off especially with Hunter Paisami injured which exposes how thin things are in that area.

Joseph Suaalii is a proven international player but he has not played much rugby this season due to injury so it is hard to really know where his form is at. He also did not look fully settled at outside centre for the Waratahs and there are still questions about whether that is even his best position.

Josh Flook is probably the form outside centre in Australia right now although his move to Italy does complicate things slightly when it comes to selection.

Because of that Izaia Perese or Jordan Petaia become really interesting possible options. Perese is included off the back of strong form for Leicester Tigers and there has also been talk of a possible Western Force return. His ability to cover both centre positions makes him very useful in this squad. Petaia is a bit different but still very much in the conversation. He has already proven himself at Test level and Joe Schmidt has spoken about having had conversations with him so it would not be a surprise if he comes back into the mix depending on fitness and availability.

Do people generally agree with this balance or see it differently?

With the likely end of Moana Pasifika as a franchise, a lot of their players could soon be on the market including Israel Leota.

Leota looks like an absolute gun and an immensely gifted footballer, which naturally raises the question: where does he end up next?

I’d personally love to see an Australian Super Rugby side come in for him. Given his Australian eligibility, he’d be a fantastic long-term asset for any Aussie franchise.

That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if a New Zealand team snapped him up instead, especially with his Pasifika ties and the way NZ franchises tend to back athletic outside backs with league experience. There’s also every chance he returns to the NRL given his rugby league background and the fact he’s still so young.

At only 20 years old, with his size, power and athleticism, Leota probably has one of the highest ceilings of any young outside back in the Pasifika pathway system. If Moana Pasifika do fold, he’ll almost certainly attract serious interest from both Super Rugby and NRL clubs. The big question is: where do people think he ends up?

Saw a post earlier about what a post-2028 Waratahs squad could look like, and it got me thinking about the other Aussie Super Rugby teams.

This is obviously completely hypothetical. I don’t pretend to have full knowledge of everything going on in Australian rugby or the academy systems, but based on the younger players I’ve watched, plus the players I think will still be around in Australia after the 2027 World Cup, this is roughly what I think future 23s for the Western Force, Brumbies and Reds could look like.

I’ll also say up front that the Western Force was the hardest squad to put together. By 2027–2028 the squad will likely look quite different anyway, even heading into next season, with several notable departures already confirmed or likely, and a lot of uncertainty around who comes in. So there are more question marks there than anywhere else.

Western Force

1. Marley Pearce
2. Nic Dolly
3. Misinale Epenisa
4. Jeremy Williams
5. ?
6. ?
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Will Harris
9. Henry Robertson
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Dylan Pietsch
12. Boston Fakafanua
13. ?
14. Wallace Charlie
15. Mac Grealy
16. Albert Alcock
17. ?
18. Jasper Asi
19. ?
20. ?
21. Nathan Hastie
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23. Ronan Leahy

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is also someone who’s been heavily linked with the Western Force, and I could definitely see them targeting him given the 10 jersey situation long-term and potential movement in that position.

Brumbies

1. Blake Schoupp
2. Billy Pollard
3. Rhys van Nek
4. Harvey Cordukes
5. Lachlan Shaw
6. Eli Langi
7. Rory Scott
8. Charlie Cale
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Declan Meredith
11. Corey Toole
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. Kadin Pritchard
14. Darby Lancaster
15. Shane Wilcox
16. Liam Bowron
17. ?
18. Darcy Breen
19. ?
20. Toby Macpherson
21. Chase Geros
22. Joe Dillon
23. ?

I’ve included Darby Lancaster here because he’s currently only on a short-term deal with the Western Force, and with the Force’s outside back depth, it’s not guaranteed he gets an extension. If that ends up being the case, and he wants to stay in Australian rugby, I think the Brumbies would be a very logical landing spot.

Reds

1. George Blake
2. Josh Nasser
3. Massimo De Lutiis
4. Josh Canham
5. Will Ross
6. Joe Brial
7. Tom Robinson
8. Vaiuta Latu
9. Tate McDermott
10. Carter Gordon
11. Tim Ryan
12. Frankie Goldsbrough
13. Dre Pakeho
14. Nicholas Conway
15. Treyvon Pritchard
16. John Grenfell
17. Kingsley Uys
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Charlie Brosnan
20. ?
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Finn Mackay
23. ?

On the Reds, I’m not sure if Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson will still be there beyond 2027. I don’t know what their contract situations look like, but if they do stay, both would obviously remain nailed-on starters in the matchday 23.

Again, this is all just hypothetical and based on younger players coming through plus who I think might still be in Australia long-term after 2027.

What does everyone else think? Who have I missed, and which players do you reckon could break through by then?

With Moananu, Dobbins, and Folau Fainga’a all out, the hooking stocks for the Waratahs have taken a major hit, as they are all the contracted players officially in the Tahs squad. Finau has been called in, but they will need another hooker now considering the injuries ahead of the Force game next week. Any ideas? I’ve heard Wes Thomas and Tyler Maybery’s names being thrown into the mix, but is there anyone else that could make the jump to senior level?

With the 2026 Junior Wallabies squads now pretty much locked in across the Coffs Harbour camp and the U20 Rugby Championship, I thought it’d be interesting to look at which players could realistically push into Super Rugby squads by 2027.

This list includes everyone involved in the main Australia U20 setup this year, plus 2025 Junior Wallabies back-rowers Beau Morrison and Ade Ekanayake, who I think are still firmly in the conversation as future Super Rugby players. Some are already on the radar, some have debuted, and others are probably still a year or two away but there’s a lot of talent here.

Jasper Asi

Sam Blank

Toby Brial

Dylan Bretton

Oscar Cleary

Luca Cleverley

Nicholas Conway

Cooper Eagle

Louis Fenwicke

Zach Fittler

Isaac Fonua

Jonty Fowler

Leo Jaques

Jacob Job

Ewald Kruger

Eli Langi

Edwin Langi

Marshall Le Maitre

Tavita Loughland

Finn Mackay

Tyler Maybery

Beau Morrison

Tom Robinson

Will Ross

Harper Strachan

Taione Taka

Kingsley Uys

Cooper Watters

Riley Whitfield

Frankie Goldsbrough

Angus Grover

John Grenfell

Jonah Rangiwai

Treyvon Pritchard

Chayse Geros

Nick Hill

Ade Ekanayake

Personally, I think Beau Morrison could definitely push into the Brumbies squad, while Ade Ekanayake would be a really valuable addition for the Waratahs if both decide to move back from the Sevens program. I know they’re technically from the 2025 cohort rather than this year’s group, but both really impressed me last season and honestly look like they could become vital assets for future Wallabies back rows because of their athleticism and versatility.

Tom Robinson, Eli Langi, Edwin Langi, Toby Brial, Nick Hill and Marshall Le Maitre all look like players who could realistically land Super Rugby squad spots next season. Nicholas Conway is probably the safest lock here given he’s already signed a multi-year deal with the Reds, while Leo Jaques and Finn Mackay are already in Super Rugby environments and should stay there in 2027. Treyvon Pritchard also looks locked in at the Reds after already getting opportunities this year.

I could also see Isaac Fonua making the Waratahs squad next year, while Zach Fittler feels like someone the Tahs could bring into a longer-term development contract. Chayse Geros is another player I’d expect to be in a Super Rugby setup soon because of how versatile he is across the backline. Angus Grover also feels like a natural fit as a future development halfback option for the Waratahs, while Will Ross looks capable of becoming a full-time Reds squad member next season.

Then there are players who I think probably need another year or two of development before making that jump. Jasper Asi, Sam Blank, Dylan Bretton, Oscar Cleary, Luca Cleverley, Cooper Eagle, Louis Fenwicke, Jonty Fowler, Jacob Job, Ewald Kruger, Tavita Loughland, Tyler Maybery, Harper Strachan, Taione Taka, Kingsley Uys, Riley Whitfield, John Grenfell and Jonah Rangiwai all fit into that category for me, even though several of them clearly have Super Rugby potential long term.

Cooper Watters is one I’m genuinely unsure on. I could see him getting a chance with the Waratahs as a back-three option, but there’s also a huge amount of competition there, so another year playing high-level club rugby might be the better pathway first.

What do you people think? Who out of this group do you see playing Super Rugby in 2027?

I know this is still a long way off, considering the international season has not even started yet, but the news about the Pritchard brothers got me thinking that this series would be the perfect opportunity to throw some new players into the Wallabies system.

Here is a 23 I feel could be picked if we heavily rotated the squad to save the best players for the tougher Tests later in the year:

1. Schoupp
2. Lachlan Loergan
3. Massimo
4. Shaw
5. Philip
6. Champion de Crespigny
7. Tizzano
8. Joe Brial
9. Tate Mcdermott
10. Lynagh
11. Tim Ryan
12. Henry
13. Kadin Pritchard
14. Zac Lomax
15. Mac Grealy
16. Dobbins
17. Lambert
18. Botha
19. Amatosero
20. Reimer
21. Thomas
22. HMP
23. Treyvon Pritchard

This is probably a bit far-fetched and definitely early to be talking about, but I honestly would not mind seeing this type of team for the Japan series. It would be great to see the Pritchard brothers involved, as it could definitely encourage them to stay.

I would also say I’m probably missing Sid Harvey, and I would not be upset if he was swapped into the team for one of the back three players.

What do people think? Is this too unrealistic, or would people be happy to see Les Kiss and the Wallabies coaching staff use this two-match series to blood some new talent? I feel this team would definitely be good enough to beat Japan.

We’ve already seen Rugby Australia make big moves for players like Angus Crichton — players with genuine rugby union backgrounds who were pulled towards league because of the money, exposure and pathway opportunities in the NRL. And honestly, it raises an interesting question heading towards every World Cup cycle: should Rugby Australia continue targeting a handful of elite league players who already understand the game and could transition back to union relatively quickly.

You look at the likes of Joey Walsh, Heamasi Makasini, Rex Bassingthwaighte and Savelio Tamale. All still young players with strong rugby union backgrounds who have also developed at a high level in league systems, with most either already playing first grade or pushing towards regular NRL appearances. By the time any potential switch happens, they could all cost serious money. Then there’s someone like Reece Walsh. He hasn’t come through rugby union pathways in the same way, but he has recently suggested he’d potentially be open to a future code switch once his Broncos contract expires at the end of 2029. With the 2031 Rugby World Cup and Brisbane 2032 Olympics potentially lining up through XVs or Sevens, you can already see why Rugby Australia would at least keep an eye on it, especially considering he’s already a superstar in rugby league and one of the NRL’s most marketable players.

From a commercial standpoint, there’s definitely hype when these signings happen. We saw it with Joseph Suaalii, we’ve seen the discussion around Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton, and even Mark Nawaqanitawase leaving the Roosters for Japanese rugby union will likely bring more attention towards the Wallabies around Rugby Championship and World Cup time. But does that attention actually last? While Rugby Australia and Super Rugby have spoken about increased interest and viewership, it still feels like a lot of the hype only shines a spotlight on the game for a few weeks before quickly fading away again.

If you go back to the early 2000s, when players like Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Andrew Walker switched codes, it felt different. The Wallabies were consistently a top-three team in the world, still winning Bledisloe Cups and competing right at the top end of international rugby. Back then, bringing in league stars made sense because rugby union already had strong public engagement and momentum, so those transitions amplified an already healthy product. The question now is whether the same effect really exists in the modern game. Australia is still improving and still has quality players, but the landscape is different. So do future code switches actually move the needle in the same way they once did in 2003?

So what do people think? Is it smart for Rugby Australia to “buy back” elite talent every few years, or should all the focus now go into the improved junior pathways and retention systems that are finally starting to be built again?

We all know Tom Wrights quality. He was arguably the best 15 in the world for periods last season but understandably he has been a little slow of the mark since returning from injury. Would it make sense to rush him straight into the starting XV for the Ireland test or give more time and maybe try Jorgo at 15 or even give Campbell or Grealy a go? Interested what people think?