PlanetRugby

Two Cents Rugby picks five potential squad bolters for the Wallabies in Rugby World Cup year

PlanetRugby logo PlanetRugby 30.05.2023 04:02:22 Two Cents Rugby
Wallabies-bolters-for-Rugby-World-Cup-2023-PA

With the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup fast approaching, Two Cents Rugby picks five uncapped players who could feature for Australia in 2023.

In no particular order, the YouTube star went for three backs and two forwards, so without further ado, here they are. Have your say in the comments.

Two Cent Rugby's five bolters for the Wallabies

It's hard to believe the Waratahs full-back/winger is only 18 years old. Whether or not he makes the Rugby World Cup this year or not, he looks to have a great future on the cards.

From the backfield he's been very accomplished, cranking through the run metres and beating defenders. Not only that but he's scored four tries as well as setting up another four.

Anyone who saw his performance against the Fijian Drua will have seen Jorgensen's potential and, after already being called up to Eddie Jones' initial training squad, he's definitely on the radar, as long as a recent knock to the knee doesn't keep him out for too long.

Since Stephen Moore retired back in 2017, nobody has put an absolute lock on the Wallabies number two jersey. Recently it's been largely in the hands of Dave Porecki and Folau Fainga'a, with Lachlan Lonergan pushing as well. But the door is by no means shut on Reds hooker Faessler.

He's another one who made Jones' initial training squad, and you can see why. The Reds lineout operates at just under 90%, setting up a devastating maul which has helped Faessler bag six tries.

Faessler has also been a dangerous ball carrier in the loose and is the top Australian hooker for run metres and defenders beaten. Add to that a couple of turnovers won and at only 24 years old, you can see why Jones is interested in seeing how far he can go.

The Brumbies might be more known in recent years for their impressive forward play, but Toole has been adding some real excitement to what was already a pretty slick Brumbies backline.

Since his transition from Sevens, he's shown both speed and finishing skills, crossing for eight tries in 12 games.

Stats wise he's been averaging 10 metres per carry and has been the top Aussie player for clean breaks. With two try assists and a couple of turnovers too, he's one Jones will surely be keeping an eye on, although he hasn't yet made the training squad.

However, tackling numbers of 65% will be a key area for Toole to work on.

The Rebels playmaker would certainly be one of the favourites, if not the top favourite, to get a run under Jones.

Despite playing for a Rebels squad sitting outside of the play-offs, individually he has looked the business.

As of Round 13, Gordon had set up six of the Rebels' tries and scored another six himself, easily the most prolific of the Australian fly-halves.

It's his running game that really sets him apart. Again stats wise, we're talking hundreds more run metres than his closest Aussie rival.

The fact that he seldom kicks for goal may mean more of a selection headache if in the mix, or he might just be backed all the way.

At just 22 years old, Gordon is another player who is only going to get better.

The Force lock is definitely a long shot here. Firstly, because Western Force players tend to naturally be down the pecking order in Australia for whatever reason, but also because he is one player who missed a training camp call-up, behind other established players as well as the uncapped Ryan Smith.

That being said Williams has been in terrific form, especially as a ball carrying lock. The 22-year-old has clocked up over 200 run metres and scored a couple of tries along the way.

He's also second equal for breaking tackles among locks this year. Aside from that, he's phenomenal in the air, sitting in second place in all of Super Rugby Pacific for lineout wins and has pinched six opposition throws.

Whether or not he gets a chance, the Force will be more than satisfied with his performances thus far.

READ MORE: Who's hot and who's not: Glory for Munster and Saracens while concern grows for London Irish

mardi 30 mai 2023 07:02:22 Categories: PlanetRugby

ShareButton
ShareButton
ShareButton
  • RSS

Suomi sisu kantaa
NorpaNet Beta 1.1.0.18818 - Firebird 5.0 LI-V6.3.2.1497

TetraSys Oy.

TetraSys Oy.