Wallabies v Springboks: Predicted line-up as ‘world class’ back-rower to spearhead team as overseas ace returns
Rob Valetini and Marika Koroibete to spearhead Wallabies squad
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has named a very strong team for the upcoming Rugby Championship, but all eyes are on the return of star winger Marika Koroibete.
The former rugby league ace is the only overseas-based player in the squad for the tournament, despite previously stepping away from the national side at the end of the World Cup.
Rob Valetini, Hunter Paisami and Tom Wright are all included after stellar showings in the mid-year internationals.
Elsewhere in the squad, there are several uncapped players in the form of Luke Reimer, Carlo Tizzano, Seru Uru, Hamish Stewart, Max Jorgensen and Olympian Corey Toole.
But with such a strong squad, how could they piece together in a XV? Well, with that thought in mind here is our predicted Wallabies team for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa.
Predicted Australia team vs South Africa
15 Tom Wright
After his sparkling displays against Wales and Georgia last month, it seems Wright has nailed down his spot in the Wallabies back-line.
The Brumbies man is such an elusive runner, and his brilliant quick-feet can help him evade tackles with ease. He should be a key part of this Australia attack in the Rugby Championship.
14 Marika Koroibete
Koroibete has been drafted back into the Wallabies squad for a reason, and he slots straight into our predicted team.
He is such a powerful and explosive ball-carrier, but blends this nicely with decent pace and an eye for the try-line too. A key part of his recall is likely his experience too. Schmidt has named a relatively young squad, with seven uncapped players included, so adding a senior figure like Koroibete into this team is a good call.
13 Len Ikitau
A tough call on Josh Flook, who started all three Tests in July, but Len Ikitau takes our number 13 jumper.
The Brumbies centre was unavailable for the clashes with Wales and Georgia through injury, but when fit is such a classy operator with ball-in-hand, and could yet add some more flair to the Wallabies attack.
He will also add some more experience to the backline, with his 30 caps to date.
12 Hunter Paisami
Powerhouse centre Paisami is in red-hot form right now, and should play a big role in the Wallabies squad this Rugby Championship.
The Queenslander put in some monumental defensive efforts in the Tests against Wales, and also added some power and pace into their midfield. He seems the perfect international centre.
11 Filipo Daugunu
Despite copping a red card in the victory over Georgia, Filipo Daugunu will likely start against the Springboks.
The winger was arguably his side’s best player during the two Tests against Wales, and ended up as top try-scorer. He compliments Koroibete well on the other wing, as he is also an incredible athlete with raw power and pace.
Half-backs
10 Noah Lolesio
Slotting in at 10 is Brumbies man Noah Lolesio, who will look to cement his spot in the jersey this Rugby Championship.
He made a decent return to the international stage during the Wales and Georgia Tests, but the important thing is he can still improve on these showings during the Rugby Championship. Lolesio is a tidy playmaker, and should pull the strings well with the exciting backline now at his disposal.
9 Jake Gordon
Jake Gordon should keep his spot at scrum-half.
He did his role to good effect this July, without really setting the pitch alight. With so many young nines entering the fray for Australia, he needs a good Championship to nail down his spot in the squad.
Back-row
8 Harry Wilson
Slotting in at number eight will probably be Harry Wilson, with both Langi Gleeson and Charlie Cale missing from the squad.
After missing out on the matchday 23 for both Tests against Wales, Wilson returned to brilliant effect against Georgia. His strong carrying really helped Australia in the tight, and he also got stuck into the defensive efforts too.
7 Luke Reimer
In the absence of blockbuster back-rower Fraser McReight, Reimer could be set for his Wallabies debut.
Reimer was a regular feature for the Brumbies off the bench this season, but with Rory Scott also missing out on Schmidt’s squad this could be Reimer’s chance.
Schmidt could easily opt for fellow uncapped man Tizzano here too.
6 Rob Valetini
Valetini is proving to be a world class back-rower, and he will probably spearhead this Wallabies team.
He put in three mammoth displays during the mid-year internationals, and got heavily involved on both sides of the ball. He brought heaps of physicality in his carries, and was always the first one to put his hand up for his side. In defence, he also threw himself into tackles to good effect.
Tight five
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
There will be an increased spotlight on the locks in the continued absence of Will Skelton, but Lukhan Salakaia-Loto looks to fit his style well.
The towering forward just never stops working for his team, and his work-rate is such an understated part of this Wallabies pack. He uses his huge frame to good effect in the tight too, and produces plenty of solid carries to drag his side over the gainline.
4 Jeremy Williams
Only made his debut during the mid-year block, but gave a good account of himself and should keep his spot in the team moving forwards.
He put in some really industrious performances during the July Tests, which he will need to do again in the Rugby Championship. Another set of decent games could see him cement his spot for the foreseeable future.
3 Taniela Tupou
The ‘Tongan Thor’ is one of Australia’s biggest names, and he should retain his spot in the starting XV this Rugby Championship.
His brute strength is a huge weapon for the Wallabies. He is such a powerful operator in attack, with genuine pace to match a back-rower, but importantly he also adds plenty of stability to the scrum which allows James Slipper (spoiler alert) to go on the attack.
2 Matt Faessler
Reds hooker Matt Faessler impressed in the mid-year Tests, and should retain his starting shirt in the Rugby Championship.
He gave a really good platform in the set-piece, which will be key this upcoming tournament, but also got heavily involved in most areas of the game when his side needed him.
1 James Slipper
Rounding off our team is loosehead Slipper, who may or may not be captain.
Slipper is a very tidy operator in defence and the set-piece, and his experience will be crucial to this Wallabies team during the Championship.
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