The second-row battle for the Wallabies continues to heat up as coach Joe Schmidt prepares to name his squad for the Nations Championship
A long-term injury to former captain Will Skelton has opened the door for new faces to emerge as they press their claims in Super Rugby Pacific.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
On top of this, there are several searching for a return to the gold jersey ahead of next year's World Cup.
With the first Test just under six weeks away, Rugby.com.au takes a look at the key lock contenders for the Wallabies in 2026.
Williams has been one of the first picked for the Wallabies and is yet to deliver a bad game in the gold jersey.
The Force skipper has been one of the best in Super Rugby and remains one of the best in the world.
He’ll play a major role in the Wallabies campaign in 2026 as long as he remains fit.
Swain has had a renaissance since his move west, dominating the lineout game.
The former Brumby has been around the Wallabies set-up but is still hunting for his Test return, having last played in 2022.
The lock is heading overseas at the end of the year, which could derail his chances of a call-up.
Salakaia-Loto has stepped up in 2026, delivering some of his best Rugby in Super Rugby.
The lock is another who has been in and out of the Wallabies, starting in last year’s Bledisloe Cup.
His role as an enforcer has been especially important following Will Skelton's season-ending injury.
Canham’s return has been timely for the Reds, who have struggled at lineout time.
The former Rebel is a freak athlete, typified by his work-rate to score last week against Moana Pasifika.
Canham will be pushing for his debut start in gold after two appearances off the bench.
Philip has stepped up after taking the leadership role at the Waratahs following his return to Australia.
The lock came back to Australia with Wallaby ambitions and has done his hopes little harm with a strong season in the sky blue.
He brings valuable experience and leadership to the second-row group, last playing in the gold jersey in 2023.
Amatosero has often been earmarked for higher honours, with the young lock continuing to progress in Daceyville.
The young lock has curbed his discipline issues, channelling his aggression on the field with some strong performances.
The 23-year-old can make a real statement against the Force on the weekend, going up against Swain and Williams.
Shaw has emerged as one of the brightest second row prospects in Australian Rugby after a stellar season.
The lock has started in nearly every game for the Brumbies and became the main target at lineout time, sitting third for lineout wins (61) and steals (nine).
The Queenslander keeps impressing and looms as a major bolter for the Wallabies in 2026.
It’s been a strange year for Frost after coming off a Test season in 2025 where he started the majority of the games for the Wallabies.
He started seven games in a row for the Brumbies, yet outside of this, has found himself either on the bench or out of the 23 altogether.
Frost remains a key member of the Wallabies tight five, although he needs significant game-time to finish the season.
