In our first instalment of Schmdit’s List, we discuss selection prospects and topics which Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt could be considering after the weekend’s action.
There was plenty of thrilling action during Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, and several players caught the eye with outstanding individual performances that would have made a positive impression on Schmidt.
The ‘Junkyard Dog’ announces himself
Although he finished on the losing side for the Reds against the Blues in a thrilling encounter at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, the Brisbane-based outfit’s 20-year-old left wing Tim Ryan made a massive impact in his side’s heartbreaking defeat to the Blues as he crossed for a hat-trick of tries.
The man known as the “Junkyard Dog” proved difficult to stop as he finished with a whopping 162 metres gained and what made his performance so remarkable is the fact that he was making his starting debut for the Reds after some appearances off the bench earlier in the season.
All of his tries were well-taken and excellent finishes but his third one will live on long in the memory of Reds fans as he showed All Black Mark Tele’a a clean pair of heels on his way over the try-line.
Tim Ryan hattrick. WHAT pic.twitter.com/xVvGgiry64
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 27, 2024
Forgotten Wallabies putting up their hands
In Canberra, the Brumbies managed to do what no other team has done this season when they beat the Hurricanes and leading the onslaught for Stephen Larkham’s troops was young fly-half Noah Lolesio, who last played for Australia under the guidance of Dave Rennie in 2022 with Eddie Jones opting not to select him at Test level in 2023.
However, the 24-year-old is in the running for a Wallabies recall after a string of impressive performances for the Brumbies, and he was at his best against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Lolesio contributed 17 points in his side’s 27-19 win courtesy of a try, three conversions and two penalties while he tested the Hurricanes defence and finished with 44 metres gained.
Another Wallaby who was discarded by Jones is speedster Tom Wright, who was dropped from the national team after their first Test of 2023 and did not get a look-in again.
However, he has been superb for the Brumbies throughout this season and finished with 148 metres gained against the Hurricanes which also puts him in first place in that category for the season (707). Wright also beat nine defenders and managed two offloads and he currently sits in second position in that department for the season.
Meanwhile, Reds number eight Harry Wilson is another Wallaby whose services were not required by Jones in 2023, but he has been in excellent form for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific this season and he also came to the fore with a superb performance against the Blues.
The 24-year-old emptied the tank with ball in hand in that encounter as he finished with 46 metres gained which included a whopping 17 carries. Wilson has also been the leading carrier in the tournament this season (116) – 10 more than his closest rival Tele’a – while he is also in joint top spot for offloads made (13) alongside Crusaders and All Blacks flyer Sevu Reece.
Another one of the Reds’ standout performers in their loss to the Blues was Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami, who missed most out on Test selection in 2023 due to back-to-back knee injuries.
The 26-year-old made his presence felt with a solid attacking display against the Blues as he gained 30 metres while also putting his body on the line on defence where he made 10 tackles. Paisami was also respsonsible for one of the standout moments in that match as he showed his class as a playmaker with an outstanding assist in the build-up to Ryan’s second try.
🔴 A magical moment from Hunter Paisami and Tim Ryan rounds off in style! #SuperRugbyPacific #REDvBLU pic.twitter.com/l0F0YsSWKb
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 27, 2024
Brumbies forward duo
The Brumbies deservedly ended the high-riding Hurricanes’ winning streak in Super Rugby Pacific, and the efforts of star Wallabies forwards Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper should not be underestimated as both produced outstanding efforts.
Valetini showed why he is Australia’s current John Eales Medallist as he was in the thick of the action from the outset and put in a huge performance during the full 80 minutes. Valetini was relentless with ball in hand and eventually finished with 63 metres gained from 18 carries and he is currently in fourth spot in the latter category for the season (91).
Meanwhile, Hooper started the match on the replacements bench but was like a caged animal when he took to the field in the 48th minute as he caught the eye with excellent physicality, which tested the Hurricanes’ defence, and he was unlucky not to score a try, as he was held up while crossing the try-line.
Other notable performers
While the Brumbies were the only Australian team to win this weekend, some other players impressed in losing causes for their respective teams.
In Dunedin, veteran utility back Kurtley Beale and back-row Carlo Tizzano produced solid outings for the Western Force as they suffered a narrow 7-6 loss to the Highlanders.
And in Sydney, Waratahs trio Mark Nawaqanitawase (left wing), Lachlan Swinton (flanker) and Izaia Perese (replacement back) also put in fine efforts in their 38-22 loss to the Chiefs.
Nawaqanitawase finished with 90 metres gained from 10 runs, while Swinton was the game’s top defender as he made 17 hits and also did his bit on attack as he scored one of his team’s three tries. Meanwhile, Perese also looked dangerous with ball in hand when he entered the fray and eventually gained 48 metres.