Wallaby Watch: Analysing the second-row options for Joe Schmidt's opening Test against Wales

Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 12:17 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Nick Frost is the lone Wallaby from the 2023 World Cup still playing in Australia. Photo: Getty Images
Nick Frost is the lone Wallaby from the 2023 World Cup still playing in Australia. Photo: Getty Images

The Wallabies' opening Test of 2024 is just under three months away as players look to press their claims.

July 6 will mark Joe Schmidt's first game in charge as the Wallabies take on Wales in Sydney.

Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

A new coach brings fresh opportunities for players to impress as they look to stand out in Super Rugby Pacific.

With the regular season halfway completed, Rugby.com.au presents the latest edition of 'Wallaby Watch' - a new series breaking down positional groups ahead of the Test season, starting with the front row.

It willl be broken into two sections: players selected at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and those looking to break into the squad in 2024.

Maintain their spot (Players selected in 2023 RWC)
Nick Frost

Frost has reaffirmed his place as one of key pillars of the Wallabies side heading forward.

The lock has started the majority of the Brumbies games in 2024 and will play a big role in their title push

Will Skelton

Skelton made a timely return for La Rochelle a fortnight after dealing with a calf injury that sidelined him for two months.

The Wallabies skipper remains one of the best in the world but questions circle around his involvement depending on Joe Schmidt’s use of the Wallabies overseas policy, who has indicated his intentions to select from Australia.

Richie Arnold

Arnold has been a consistent force in Toulouse’s push towards the Champions Cup, going straight from the World Cup into the starting role for the French Top 14 powerhouse.

He started the majority of World Cup games but falls into the same category as Skelton.

Matt Philip

Philip has been plying his trade for Japanese side Yokohama Canon Eagles, helping them sit in a commanding position in the Top League.

The lock’s form has been strong but falls into the same category as Skelton.

Pushing for selection (Those who missed 2023 RWC)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

Salakaia-Loto has emerged as one of the buys of the season for the Rebels.

The former Red has been essential in their top four push, looking refreshed after his stint in Northampton 

Cadeyrn Neville

Neville has been one of the Brumbies best in 2024.

The lock rebounded from his World Cup exclusion with strong form across the Super Rugby season whether from the bench or starting

Darcy Swain

Swain has rocketed back into the forefront of Wallabies selection, taking on a bigger role in the Brumbies' push towards the title.

He has led the side in Ryan Lonergan’s absence, with the captaincy bringing the best out of him in the past three weeks.

Jeremy Williams

Williams started the season strong before injuries derailed his campaign.

The Force captain is expected back in the coming weeks and will press his claims for a call-up

Seru Uru

Uru’s move to the second row has brought the best out of the former backrower.

His offload game has added another level to the Reds’ attack, with his push towards a call-up thanks to a thumb injury.

Josh Canham

Likewise, Canham has been elite for the Rebels in 2024.

The lock is the latest Melbourne born player to thrive at Super Rugby level and will be keen to make an impact after missing the win over the Highlanders due to a concussion.

Jed Holloway

Holloway’s experienced a form revival in 2024 after falling out of favour last season.

The lock is one of few Waratahs to start every game this season and has delivered quality each time he’s taken the park.

Rory Arnold

Ex-coach Eddie Jones snubbed Arnold after the Hino Red Dolphins’ season was famously cut short.

However, the lock has returned to play solid form to put his hand up for selection in the unlikely case Joe Schmidt opens the doors for international selection

Izack Rodda

Rodda’s rotten luck with injury has continued in 2024, yet to feature this season.

However, the lock remains one of the best in the country on his day, desperate to return to training this week after a quad tear.

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