BACKS
Halfbacks
Pencil them in
Will Genia
Genia is clearly the no. 1 halfback in Australia and unless he picks up some kind of catastrophic injury, he will be starting in the no. 9 come September 21.
Nic White
White is all but certainly going to be playing Super Rugby in 2020 and his current coach, Exeter Chiefs mentor Rob Baxter said last weekend that he expected to be without White during the World Cup.
Nick Phipps
Phipps has had a stop-start year and there is arguably a question mark over his form to this point in this season. There is always bound to be a big-name omission when it comes to a World Cup squad but Phipps’ value on and off the field will likely be enough to give him a Test swansong.
Contenders
Jake Gordon
Gordon continues to grow as a player. Has been starting over Phipps this season and his running ability and finishing instincts are very valuable. Certainly putting pressure on the incumbents.
Tate McDermott
McDermott has rocketed into Test contention with some superb performances for the Reds this season. Overtook Moses Sorovi as the starting Queensland nine and has made an impact in every game he has played. If he continues in this vein of form, he will surely be in the World Cup conversatio
Inside backs
Pencil them in
Bernard Foley
It’s hard to imagine a Wallabies squad without this trio in it. Foley is still clearly the leading contender for the starting 10 spot and there hasn’t really been any major challengers to that. He outpointed main rival Quade Cooper when the Waratahs took on the Rebels at the SCG and
Samu Kerevi
Kerevi is enjoying his best season yet with the Reds and it has only reinforced the fact that his best position is at 12. He leads Super Rugby in defenders beaten this season and his ability to break tackles and make every metre possible is hugely valuable. Defence has always been the big question mark for Kerevi but he has improved in that area as he has matured as well.
Kurtley Beale
Beale has had an erratic season but he has proven many times that he has an ability to create things others can’t. Playing at 12 hasn’t really been working for him at the Waratahs, with he enigmatic back seemingly trying to take on too much himself. At fullback, though, he has looked far more comfortable and probably finding his correct spot - even if that is coming off the bench as in 2015 - will be the most significant decision when it comes to Beale.
Contenders
Matt Toomua
Toomua is more likely than not to be on the plane to Japan, despite copping some criticism from Leicester fans for his recent form in the Premiership. The playmaker is a strong backup flyhalf option as well as being a solid 12.
Karmichael Hunt
Hunt is one of the most reliable players in the Australian conference. The 32-year-old was in the wilderness last year and is yet to be invited to a squad camp this season but has proven his quality. In contrast to Kerevi, his defence is probably his greatest strength and that has been shown in his NSW games this season. Knows when to take the opposition on as well, though, and his composure in big games wouldn’t go astray in sudden-death situations.
Fringes
Quade Cooper
Cooper has probably slipped a little down the pecking order after a strong start to the season, with disappointing outings in big stakes games against the Waratahs in Sydney and the Lions overseas.
Christian Lealiifano
Lealiifano has been solid for the Brumbies this season but that is about it. Very reliable but not a game breaker and hasn’t been in the Test environment since 2016.
Outside backs
The outside backs department is one of the most competitive when it comes to picking a Wallabies group and there are just three players that shape as real certainties so far this season. In 2015, Michael Cheika took seven outside backs.
Pencil them in
Dane Haylett-Petty
Haylett-Petty has rarely played a bad Test since making his debut in 2016 against England. The Rebels captain has had some bad luck with injuries but has proven himself as a strong captain and an asset either at fullback or on the wing. Would be the no. 1 contender to replace Israel Folau.
Tevita Kuridrani
Kuridrani has only missed a handful of Tests in Michael Cheika’s reign as Wallabies coach. His form has slipped since the start of the year but would still be considered one of the first picked for the World Cup.
Jack Maddocks
Maddocks has gone from fringe Test player to almost certain World Cup player with his form this season. Leads the competition in tries scored this season and that finishing ability is something the Wallabies certainly need.
Reece Hodge
Hodge has gone under the radar somewhat this season after injury ruled him out of last year’s Spring Tour but he would be a valuable addition to the squad. Has enormous value as a utility, able to play nearly every backline position, and is working his way back into some strong form this season.
Contenders
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Ashley-Cooper has made no secret of his desire to vie for a World Cup spot and he has been in the mix this season. That he sat out a game as part of the World Cup resting policy would suggest he’s certainly in the mix but it’s a competitive department he is in.
Tom Banks
Banks is clearly the form no. 15 among the Australian Super Rugby teams to this point in the season. Probably the only thing that could count against him is a lack of versatility. A sensational fullback but he is not as suited to the wing, ala Maddocks or even Hodge. If he keeps playing the way he is, though, it will be almost impossible to leave him out.
Marika Koroibete
Koroibete has not had his best season so far but still is among the only Aussies with out-and-out pace. Has been outshone by others in Melbourne this season but has that ability to burn most people in international rugby and finish well.
Sefa Naivalu
Naivalu is the other major X-Factor winger that the Wallabies could call on. He has been in and out of the team in recent seasons. Can also play 13 at a pinch, which is a handy quality.
Toni Pulu
Pulu has already been involved in some Wallabies camps this year - in the preseason and the first in-season get together in March. A cheekbone injury hindered his progress at the start of the year but is consistently one of the best for the Brumbies.
