Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro is set to be snubbed for a Wallabies recall, but NSW product and Rebels youngster Jack Maddocks is in line to be named in Australia's squad for Tests against Ireland next month.
Michael Cheika and other Wallabies coaching staff met on Tuesday to compile a final squad – expected to be 33 players – before Wednesdays official announcement.
Overlooked: Taqele Naiyaravoro is likely to miss out on selection for the Wallabies against Ireland.
Photo: SNPA
Unlike the previous two June series, there wont be as many surprises or bolters, for Cheika has now built up a core group of players he wants to keep together as much as possible heading into the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Last week, Cheika said Naiyaravoro was “definitely” on his radar despite not having played a Test for almost two years.
The big winger has enjoyed a breakthrough Super Rugby season, scoring 10 tries from as many matches to be equal second on the competition top try-scoring list.
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Despite this, it is understood Naiyaravoro will miss out on the squad. Part of the reasoning appears to be around him leaving Australian rugby at the end of the season to take up a deal with UK club Northampton.
Naiyaravoro didnt put his best case forward in his final hit-out before the squad was finalised. Against the Chiefs in Hamilton, the 26-year-old was exposed defensively on a number of occasions.
In terms of wingers, Marika Koroibete and Reece Hodge are favourites to start for the Wallabies in the first Test on June 9.
As for Maddocks, his brilliant season has given Cheika little option but to pick the 21-year-old.
After being selected as a development player for last years spring tour, Maddocks has blossomed into a dangerous outside back who can play either at fullback or on the wing.
He has chalked up eight tries in 11 matches and will be pushing for a spot in the match-day 23 for the Suncorp Stadium opener.
Not only is Cheika a big fan, but so too is Wallabies assistant Stephen Larkham, who has been keeping a close eye on his progress for a number of years.
Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese, who is the frontrunner to wear the Wallabies No.2 jersey, threw his support behind Maddocks on Tuesday.
“Jack has been playing awesome footy at the moment,” Uelese said. “He's finally coming out of his skin and starting to take a leadership role in that back line.
“Hopefully he gets given the opportunity, and he'll probably carve up in the Wallabies set-up.”
In terms of names who haven't been involved with the Wallabies before, the likes of Damien Fitzpatrick and Brandon Paenga-Amosa have been touted as back-up hookers.
NSW hooker Tolu Latu should not be forgotten either and is said to be in far better physical condition than this time last year.
In the halfback department, Will Genia and Nick Phipps will be retained but there is plenty of interest as to who Cheika rates more highly out of Joe Powell (Brumbies), Jake Gordon (Waratahs) and Michael Ruru (Rebels).
One thing is certain: Cheika wont read out Quade Coopers name on Fox Sports Kick & Chase program on Wednesday evening.
Not playing Super Rugby has been a major hurdle for the 70-Test playmaker, but a MCL injury in Brisbane club rugby has put him out of action for the next three to four weeks.
As for back-rower Ned Hanigan, he is on track to return from injury for the second Test in Melbourne on June 16. Cheika might be wary of starting him straight away, but his availability will be welcomed for what is set to be a fierce series against the Six Nations champions.
Cheika will want to have as settled a squad as possible given the short preparation the Wallabies have before the first Test of the year.
Fortunately, the Waratahs and Reds players will already be in Brisbane. The Rebels are away to the Blues on Saturday, and the Brumbies are at home to the Sunwolves on Sunday afternoon.
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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