Fans will soon get their first clue about what the new-look Wallabies team under Joe Schmidt will look like.
Come Friday, a squad of 36 or 38 men will be announced which will be narrowed down to 23 for the first Test against Wales in Sydney.
There’s every chance the first side Schmidt names to play on July 6 will bear very little resemblance to Eddie Jones’ squad which fumbled in France at the Rugby World Cup.
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That’s for the best, according to Wallabies legend Tim Horan.
“There’s still a big stench around what happened at the Rugby World Cup and Eddie Jones and who he didn’t pick and who he did pick,” said Horan on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
“Fans are sick of it. Fans want the best player picked, whether you’re going to rugby league, whether you’re going overseas, they want a Wallabies side to win Test matches.
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“Fans aren’t patient anymore in rugby. They want wins, they want Wallaby wins.
“They don’t really care too much about the British & Irish Lions or the Rugby World Cup in ’27 – they want Test matches to be won by the Wallabies now.”
Ahead of the training squad naming, Horan and Cameron Shepherd named their ideal XV for the first Test.
HORAN’S WALLABIES XV (1-15): James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa (C), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Wright
“I’ve gone with a big forward pack,” Horan explained.
“Against Wales, the first two Test matches, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto there. Darcy Swain, I’ve been really impressed with. Rob Leota at six, you need a really big forward pack to play against Wales.”
Horan is concerned about James Slipper’s fitness and said he is “the big question mark’ in Schmidt’s selections.
“He’s only got two and a half weeks until that Test match. I wouldn’t be surprised if he misses the first one, maybe two Test matches against Wales and someone like Alex Hodgman comes into the team.”
Horan also backed Filipo Daugunu on the wing in Corey Toole’s expected Olympics absence but wants to see Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete in the team, pending their availability.
“I think Filipo Daugunu has been superb,” said Horan.
“He’s only played a couple of games on the wing for the Rebels and he’s been outstanding. He is someone who sometimes we talk about people who are just really good in Super Rugby, he can go to the next level. He’s shown that. Physicality over the ball. I’d definitely be picking him on the wing.
“If you go forward after this block of three Test matches, I’m having Mark Nawqanitawase and Marika (Koroibete) on the wings. They’re the two best wingers for Test match footy.”
SHEPHERD’S WALLABIES XV (1-15): James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa (C), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Bayley Kuenzle, Tom Wright
The biggest surprise in Shepherd’s line-up is the inclusion of Super Rugby Pacific rookie Tim Ryan.
Ryan made his debut for the Queensland Reds this year and has scored two hat-tricks.
“I think give him a crack,” said Shepherd.
“We’re picking people on form. Let’s stay away from the old style of selection. Pick guys that deserve it. Give him a chance. Let’s see how he goes.”
Wallabies 2024 home Tests
Wallabies v Wales, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v Wales, Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies v Georgia, Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
The Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup
Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney