As the Wallabies prepare to embark on their annual spring tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, head coach Joe Schmidt’s squad selection has sparked intrigue among fans and pundits alike. The 34-man roster, named on Tuesday, not only hints at the team’s immediate goals for the tour but also provides a tantalizing glimpse into Schmidt’s long-term vision for the 2025 British & Irish Lions series on home soil.
Suaalii’s Meteoric Rise
Perhaps the most eye-catching inclusion in the touring party is that of 21-year-old rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Despite his limited exposure to the 15-man code, Suaalii’s raw talent and potential have clearly caught Schmidt’s attention. The coach hinted that the young star could make his debut as early as the second Test against Wales, following in the footsteps of other recent code-hoppers like Marika Koroibete and Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
We get a bit of time here, we get three trainings here and then a couple over there [in London], and we’ve got a few guys still recovering from the Rugby Championship, so it will depend on that mix.
– Joe Schmidt on Suaalii’s potential debut
Suaalii’s rugby roots from his time at The King’s School and with the Australian Under 18s team in 2019 could give him an edge over other recent league recruits, allowing for a smoother transition and faster integration into the Wallabies setup.
Koroibete’s Uncertain Future
While Suaalii’s star is on the rise, veteran winger Marika Koroibete’s omission from the touring squad has raised questions about his international future. The 30-year-old Fijian-born flyer struggled for form during the recent Rugby Championship, and with young talents like Suaalii, Harry Potter, and Dylan Pietsch pushing for spots, Koroibete’s path back into the team appears increasingly difficult.
Schmidt acknowledged that discussions about Koroibete’s future will likely take place in early 2024, but emphasized the importance of fostering competition among the emerging crop of outside backs.
We’ve got some young wingers starting to come through and put some pressure on, and we’d love them to put enough pressure on where Marika feels that pressure and it becomes a really tough decision for us.
– Schmidt on the competition for wing spots
Kerevi’s Timely Return
The inclusion of powerhouse center Samu Kerevi, who has been plying his trade in Japan’s second division since the 2023 World Cup, could provide a much-needed boost to the Wallabies’ midfield. If Kerevi can recapture the form that made him one of the world’s most dominant inside centers in 2021, it may relieve some of the pressure on fly-half Noah Lolesio, who has yet to fully convince in the playmaking role.
The uncapped Tane Edmed’s inclusion in the squad further underscores Schmidt’s desire to explore his options at No. 10, with the coach keen to assess the young Waratahs prospect alongside Lolesio and Ben Donaldson.
Captaincy Conundrum
Will Skelton’s return to the Wallabies fold for the first three Tests of the tour has the potential to shake up the team’s leadership dynamics. With the giant lock likely to command a starting spot, Schmidt may be forced to reshuffle his back row, potentially moving captain Harry Wilson to the bench to accommodate a more lineout-friendly option like Jeremy Williams or Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Such a change could open the door for openside flanker Fraser McReight, who led the Junior Wallabies with distinction, to assume the captaincy in Wilson’s absence.
Australia XV: Ones to Watch
While the Wallabies tour will undoubtedly capture the headlines, Schmidt will also be keeping a close eye on the 30-man Australia XV squad as they embark on their own northern hemisphere adventure. Key players to watch include hooker Lachie Lonergan, who offers a dynamic skill set upon his return from injury, and fly-half Tom Lynagh, son of Wallabies legend Michael, who has the potential to force his way into the senior setup with a string of strong performances.
As the spring tour unfolds, Wallabies fans will be eagerly dissecting every team selection and on-field performance for clues about Schmidt’s long-term plans. While success in the Home Nations is the immediate priority, the looming specter of the British & Irish Lions series means that every match carries added significance as players vie to secure their place in Schmidt’s vision for Australian rugby’s future.
