The countdown to the Rugby World Cup is firmly underway as Wallabies coach Eddie Jones prepares to name his squad for the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship on Sunday.
Jones will name a 33-player squad along with his captain for the Springboks and Argentina Tests, starting July 9.
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It is then expected the squad for the Bledisloe Tests will largely resemble the one that will go to France for September's World Cup, barring injuries.
A preliminary squad of Waratahs, Reds, Force and Rebels hopefuls have been in camp all week in Coogee, with the Brumbies on 'active rest' after their semi-final defeat to the Chiefs.
Given their impressive run in Super Rugby Pacific, Stephen Larkham's men are likely set to dominate the squad, with Jones likely to name more than three overseas-based players.
“It’s always a difficult process,” Jones told reporters at Friday's opening training.
“You’ve got probably 45 players competing for 33 spots, so that’s always difficult but that’s the job ahead.
“We’ll sit down after we’ve finished here and work out who the 33 are.”
The week-long camp has given a chance for Wallabies hopefuls to impress the all-new coaching staff.
Rugby.com.au looks at five players who have emerged as potential bolters with their selection in the camp and/or through strong Super Rugby performances.
*NOTE: Players either in the first squad (initial or injury call-ups) or in April's edition of Selection Sunday are not included. Carter Gordon, Matt Faessler and Corey Toole are three uncapped players with the likeliest chance of selection in the Wallabies squad.
Nic White and Ryan Lonergan were the two halves selected in the first camp and whilst it was widely expected to be a battle between Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon for the third spot, Fines-Leleiwasa has suddenly emerged in contention.
The Force scrumhalf was a key reason for the Western Force's late-season charge towards the finals.
He is rapid around the ruck and shone when paired up with Max Burey, earning a call-up for the camp.
Eddie Jones has spoken about the importance of versatility and Kemeny fits the mould perfectly.
He is a brutal defender who can pierce the advantage line, able to play either blindside or openside flanker.
Kemeny has been in and out of Wallabies training squads but is yet to be named for his Test debut, impressing in 2023 after injury derailed last year's campaign.
Salakaia-Loto is arguably the biggest bolter since April's camp, instantly emerging on the radar after signing with the Melbourne Rebels.
Lock is a position with considerable depth, although the loss of Izack Rodda after his latest setback to his foot is a major blow.
The former Red has impressed in the English Premiership and returns with a renewed focus.
He also has international experience at lock, flanker and number eight, which is crucial for a World Cup.
Hooper is the biggest benefactor out of the much-discussed Wallaby resting policy.
Missing the start of the year through injury, Hooper took his chance to start with open arms and was one of their best forwards in the second half of the year.
His form meant Larkham had to find a place for him in the starting side, slotted into openside flanker for the semi-final.
As discussed, the Brumbies will likely dominate this squad, especially in the pack with almost seven certain selections (Alaalatoa, Slipper, Frost, Neville, Valetini, Samu, Lonergan). Don't be surprised to see Hooper join his club teammates.
Nonggorr is another that has caught the eye through strong form for the Reds.
Their upset of the Chiefs was built off their impressive set-piece game, with Nonggorr particularly dominant at scrum-time.
He is likely behind several other options but with Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell likely out for the first two Tests, he could find himself sneaking onto the plane to South Africa.
