With the British & Irish Lions set to embark on their first Australian tour in 12 years come July, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is scouring the Super Rugby Pacific competition for the cattle to take on the might of the composite outfit. The Lions only venture south once every four years, rotating through Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, meaning for most it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to face the famed touring side.
So with just a few months until the Lions land on our shores, which Wallabies contenders are firming for a spot in the squad, and who still has work to do to press their case? Let’s run the rule over each position.
Props
Entrenched: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou
In the hunt: Zane Nonggorr, Matt Gibbon, Tom Robertson
Hard to see the top four props missing out barring injury or dramatic form slump. But with only six likely spots up for grabs, the race is on to join them. Nonggorr impressed in a brief Wallabies cameo last year, but Robertson is on the comeback trail and can’t be discounted. Injuries have hit a few other contenders.
Hookers
Entrenched: Matt Faessler, Brandon Paenga-Amosa
In the hunt: Lachie Lonergan, Josh Nasser, Dave Porecki
Faessler has established himself as the premier rake in the country, while BPA’s improved throw makes him a strong challenger. But the returns of Porecki from long-term injury and Lonergan from a broken leg add serious depth and competition to the ranks.
Locks
Entrenched: Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams
In the hunt: Will Skelton, Darcy Swain, Angus Blyth
Schmidt appears to have a strong starting trio, with the athleticism of Frost and abrasiveness of LSL and Williams. Skelton would add serious bulk but may be leg weary after a long French season. Swain is looking for a fresh start at the Force to reignite his Test prospects.
Back Row
Entrenched: Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano
In the hunt: Rob Leota, Liam Wright, Seru Uru
Valetini, McReight and skipper Wilson are locked in as the starting back row, with Tizzano a very capable deputy. Leota and Wright could come into consideration if fit and firing for the Rebels and Reds respectively, while Uru offers versatility.
Halfbacks
Entrenched: Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, Nic White
In the hunt: Ryan Lonergan
It’s hard to see anyone breaking the firm pecking order of Gordon, McDermott and White barring injury. Gordon has earned first crack, while Schmidt loves McDermott’s energy off the bench. Lonergan is next cab off the rank.
Flyhalves
Entrenched: Noah Lolesio
In the hunt: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Tom Lynagh
After years of musical chairs, Lolesio has firmly grabbed the Wallabies No. 10 jersey with an impressive 2024. He’s still developing but is Schmidt’s man. Donaldson’s injury battles may open the door for an in-form Edmed or Lynagh to stake a claim as back-up.
Centres
Entrenched: Len Ikitau, Joseph Suaali’i
In the hunt: Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Samu Kerevi
Suaali’i looks set for a long-term stint in the centres after a dazzling debut alongside Ikitau. Paisami showed flashes of his damaging best last year and will press hard. But Kerevi’s discipline and age may count against him for Lions selection.
Outside Backs
Entrenched: Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright
In the hunt: Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu, Tim Ryan
Wright, Kellaway and teen sensation Jorgensen are near certainties after standout efforts in 2024, with their ability to cover fullback a bonus. Pietsch and Daugunu were cruelled by injury after promising cameos, while Ryan’s meteoric rise makes him the potential bolter.
The countdown is well and truly on to July 19 at Suncorp Stadium. As the Super Rugby Pacific season unfolds, the Wallabies contenders will be desperate to press their case for higher honours and book their ticket to take on the might of the British & Irish Lions, in what for most will be a career-defining series. Let the auditions begin.
