The build to July's Nations Championship continues as the hooker options press their claims for a spot in the upcoming Wallabies squad.
Coach Joe Schmidt has plenty of options to pick from as the competition heats up.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Rugby.com.au looks at the main contenders ahead of the first Test against Ireland on July 4.
Paenga-Amosa has had one of his best seasons at the Force, a key driver of their success in the second half of the season.
The hooker was a reliable thrower at lineout time, while adding a real point of difference at breakdown time.
‘BPA’ has responded perfectly after he was left out of the Spring Tour squad, firming for not only a recall but a potential starting spot.
Faessler was once again struggled with injuries after he was limited to just four Tests in 2025.
He missed the middle of the Super Rugby season but has returned and contributed nicely to the Reds’ run to the qualifying finals.
The hooker has been a favoured choice of Joe Schmidt since he took over and will be out to add to his 18 caps.
Pollard has been one of the most reliable starters at club and country level, having started every Rugby Championship match in 2025.
The hooker may have finished the Super Rugby season on the bench but Pollard remains a key piece in the Brumbies’ set-up.
His struggles at lineout time were a concern throughout the year, although he makes up for it with his added athleticism across the park.
Nasser finds himself battling at club and country level as he looks to finally lock down a spot in the Test set-up.
He stepped up in the absence of Faessler to start eight times in 2026 for the Reds, including the qualifying final.
Nasser’s scrummaging is his point of difference, with the converted prop one of several to earn a debut under Joe Schmidt.
Lonergan has sought to make up for lost time after an ACL injury disrupted his 2025 season.
The Brumby returned midway through the season and eventually found himself starting for the club during their qualifying final against the Hurricanes.
The front-rower is out to live out the backyard dream alongside brother Ryan, with both pulling on the gold jersey but never together.
Dobbins was the breakout star of the Waratahs front-row, firmly positioning himself as a Test bolter.
Injury would derail his season, suffering a foot injury that kept him on the sideline since round 13
However, expect him to firmly come back into contention once fit.
