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Test rugby is almost upon us, with new Wallabies manager Joe Schmidt set to select his first squad for the two-Test series against Wales starting in just over two weeks.
So far, we have little idea what he’s thinking. The training squad announcement gave a rough idea of who would make matchday 23 for the first Test on June 6.
Will the team include overseas-based players? Again, we don’t know, but Schmidt’s comments indicate he’s at least open to the idea.
“Our priority is home-based players,” he said last month. ‘We want to choose from products currently available in Australia. ‘(Selecting overseas-based players) can’t be completely ruled out, but it’s not our priority.’
Schmidt will be eager to get off to a winning start. Wales are weakened since demolishing the Wallabies last September but will face a stern test. If we want to outperform Australia, we will need to utilize the best available workforce.
When you think of the best Wallabies players of recent times, you can’t leave out Marika Koroibete. Moreover, the powerful winger has not just been one of the best Australian players, but one of the best players in the world since his 2018 debut.
Koroibete is everything you want in a modern winger and more. He carries like a forward, always knows where to be, and empties his tank every week.
His contribution could even change the outcome of the game. Think back to the Test match against South Africa in Adelaide two years ago.
His flying cover tackle on Makazole Mapimpi was arguably the winner for the Wallabies.
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
It’s not just his talent as a player. Koroibete will also be a calming influence on a young Wallabies team that, frankly, still lacks confidence after last year’s disappointment.
This team needs veterans to move the ship forward stably. If selected, Koroibete’s 59 appearances would make him the third-most capped player on the team behind James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.
He is also healthy and rested. Last month, Koroi Bette completed his third season in Japan’s Ligue 1.
His 46 appearances, added to his 17 Wallabies caps in the same period, equate to 21 games per year. He won’t overcook it.
The timing is good for him too. Japan-based players will be barred in November when the Australian team begins its Grand Slam spring tour as they prepare for the next domestic campaign.
The question now is whether to use Koroibete or lose him.
Other players based overseas are also worth considering. Will Skelton, Brandon Paenga-Amosa (signed with Western Force) Samu Kerevi, Scott Sio and Pete Samu all still have a lot to offer.
However, load management, injuries, timing and team needs must all be considered before making your choice.
Recently, Panga-Amosa, who plays for Montpellier, was unable to play for three months due to injury. A recall on that will have to wait.
Kerevi is certain to succeed Hunter Paisami after an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific season.
Kerevi could be called up in an injury emergency, but he lacks the versatility to be a bench option in the short term.
(Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
As for Samu and Skelton, their season is still underway in France. Both are in the semi-finals this weekend, with Sio needing to bounce back after a second successive 20-plus game season at Exeter Chiefs.
The spring tour could be an ideal time for the latter three to return. The Wallabies’ four games in four weeks will be tough, following nine previous Test matches across the Rugby Championship.
More fresh carcasses will be needed. After just a third of the domestic season, Europe-based players will be ready to contribute to the Wallabies campaign.
Leaving them alone now would give them the benefit of a full offseason to recharge. Also, if you ask in November, you probably won’t have too far to travel.
Anyway, that was it then. Now it’s time to face Wales.
Koroibete is ready, willing and able to help the wallaby. He could make the difference between a win and a draw (or even a loss?) in this series.
If you don’t understand what I’m saying, just look at the honors others have bestowed on him. In five years, he has won two John Eales Medals (selected by his teammates) and been selected in World Rugby’s 2022 Dream Team. It was enough.
Pick up the phone, Joe.
