With the Nations Championship fast approaching, the battle to see who the three scrumhalves picked by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is ramping up
The position saw several debutants last year, while a pair of incumbents are coming off some of their best seasons in the gold jersey.
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With the first Test just under six weeks away, Rugby.com.au takes a look at the key contenders for the Wallabies in 2026.
The incumbent, Gordon, has been one of the most reliable players picked under Joe Schmidt since he took over and has rarely let the Wallabies down.
Giving up the Waratahs captaincy has helped Gordon focus on his game, recording the same amount as try assists in 2026 as he managed in 2024 and 2025 combined.
The competition has lifted around him, but the scrumhalf has shown he’s up for the fight.
Lonergan has taken a massive step in the past 12 months, which has included his debut for the Wallabies.
The Brumbies skipper returned to Super Rugby, and the confidence was clear as he led the way for their early-season success, showcased in his standing as the highest polling scrum half in Player of the Year voting before it went behind closed doors.
A key point of difference for Lonergan compared to other capped scrum-halves has been his goal-kicking, at just over 75%, which has been particularly influential amid the rise of Carter Gordon, who only just resumed goal-kicking on Saturday.
McDermott has done his time waiting and is back to try and inspire the Reds to the finals, returning with a bang on Saturday against Moana Pasifika
The Reds live-wire is coming off his first major setback, a significant hamstring injury that has sidelined him since October.
Before this, McDermott was one of the stars of the 2025 international season, torching the British & Irish Lions and South Africa with his pace, whether that was in or out of position.
Thomas broke through for his maiden Test cap at the end of the year, capitalising on the injury to McDermott.
This has continued in 2026 with six starts, the most he has managed in a season, looking at home as he guides the Reds around the park.
The 24-year-old is a proven spark-plug off the bench, reuniting with McDermott on Saturday for a lethal one-two punch.
Speaking of benefactors of McDermott’s injury, it’s Werchon who has done the majority of the starting duties in the Wallabies’ absence.
His left boot has been exceptional, whether it’s off the tee or in open play, and has come up with some game-winning moments for the Reds.
Werchon has benefited from his stint with URC team Benetton, although his future contract with the Italian club may sway against his selection.
The former Junior Wallabies skipper has been earmarked for greatness and is showing the fruits of his apprenticeship under Jake Gordon.
Wilson produced an excellent showing last week against the Fijian Drua, scoring a try to keep their finals hopes alive for the time being.
The fact he started for Australia A last year shows he’s on the radar, scoring in the thumping win over Japan XV.
Robertson was experiencing a breakout season in 2026 after the departure of Nic White.
However, an ACL injury has ended his push for a Wallabies call-up.
