Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt might lean forward a bit more in his seat during Super Rugby this weekend.
After seven rounds, the Waratahs are effectively entering their version of the playoffs, Zac Lomax is poised to debut off the bench for the Western Force, and Will Skelton’s Achilles injury has left an enormous gap in the Wallabies’ pack.
Skelton confirmed this week that his French season is over, raising grave doubts about whether he’ll play for the Wallabies this year.
The Waratahs’ trip to Hamilton has a finals feel because Dan McKellar’s side can’t afford to drop too far behind in the race for the top six. But a win would completely change the complexion of their season: the game against the Chiefs is consequential.
If the Waratahs respond to that pressure, Schmidt will take note.
He has a few gaps to fill in his first Wallabies squad of the year, and he might also be looking for a few well-established players to step up this weekend.
Harry Wilson, in particular, is under pressure from Brumbies No.8 Charlie Cale.
Despite a heavy workload, there is no sign yet that Cale is dropping off in form or shirking the close-quarters stuff.
In the tight five, James Slipper has retired, Angus Bell is up at Ulster, and Taniela Tupou is having limited impact at Racing 92, having made only seven appearances since his move to France – the majority off the bench.
As a result, Waratahs props Dan Botha and Tom Lambert, as well as Reds midfielder Isaac Henry, must be under consideration after significantly raising their performance levels this season.
Unlike Cale, they have not been capped, but the quartet could all be classed as newcomers given the amount of rugby the Brumbies No.8 has missed due to injury.
A lot can change between now and July, but based on current form and availability the Wallabies have some new options to consider a year before the Rugby World Cup.
Paul Cully’s Wallabies team
1. Tom Lambert (Waratahs): The 25-year-old is morphing into a very good, mobile prop and his best years are ahead of him. Wallabies can’t afford to lose the Scotland-qualified loosehead through lack of opportunity.
2. Billy Pollard (Brumbies): An established Wallaby now, although the Reds’ Josh Nasser is pushing hard, and competition in that spot is increasing.
3. Dan Botha (Waratahs): A great name for a tighthead prop, and he has definitely brought some Springboks-like toughness to his work around the field.
4. Matt Philip (Waratahs): A revelation since his return to Super Rugby, although Jeremy Williams is also playing well at the Force and Nick Frost will come into the picture as the season progresses.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds): Skelton’s absence means the Wallabies are crying out for an enforcer, and Salakaia-Loto is currently the best option.
6. Rob Valetini (Brumbies): The Brumbies back-rower remains the best ball carrier in the whole competition.
7. Fraser McReight (Reds): McReight and Force No.7 Carlo Tizzano have not been at their best, but their class is unquestionable.
8. Charlie Cale (Brumbies): The big mover in Super Rugby this year. He can carry in tight spaces and use his speed on the edge, emerging as a genuine rival to Harry Wilson.
9. Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies): The conductor in Canberra, although Jake Gordon’s excellent performance in the Waratahs’ win last weekend felt like a statement.
10. Carter Gordon (Reds): Injuries have held him back again. However, when fit, he gives the Reds an extra dimension.
11. Max Jorgensen (Waratahs): A world-class operator who does something special almost every weekend.
12. Hunter Paisami (Reds): Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will presumably be the preferred combination when fit, but Ikitau last played for Exeter in December and Suaalii is still recovering from his hamstring injury.
13. Isaac Henry (Reds): The 27-year-old has overcome some terrible luck with injury and is impressing with his speed and running lines.
14. Dylan Pietsch (Force): Makes his return from injury against the Reds on Saturday. It is easy to forget the impact he was starting to make at the Wallabies last year before he was sidelined. His physicality sets him apart.
15. Jock Campbell (Reds): Tom Wright’s return from an ACL injury will be closely watched, but Campbell has put up his hand.
Replacements: Josh Nasser (Reds), Angus Bell (Ulster), Tom Robertson (Force), Jeremy Williams (Force), Tom Hooper (Exeter), Jake Gordon (Waratahs), Noah Lolesio (Shuttles Aichi), Filipo Daugunu (Reds)
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Paul Cully is a rugby columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
