It’s why Stephen Larkham should be the next Wallabies coach. Developing players through Super Rugby gives you intimate knowledge of what they offer the Wallabies setup. Dropping someone like Eddie Jones into the role, without insight into up-and-coming players, was a bridge too far that proved disastrous for our chances at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Two names on Les Kiss’ list for the Springboks’ Test in Perth, Jordan Petaia and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, are additions to the squad; both seasoned Queensland Reds players whom Kiss has coached.
HMP has not been cooling his heels with a XXXX; he was the best on field in a losing Wests side against Brothers, 51-14, at Ballymore in the Hospital Cup GF last month, and he orchestrated a come-from-behind victory with the Western Force over Queensland, 29-28, last weekend at the same venue to show that, despite being small in stature, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
The real excitement package is Brisbanerugby’s favourite son, Jordan Petaia. He debuted at RWC 2019 in Japan as a 19-year-old and was destined for a long Wallabies career until his dream of playing American Football (Gridiron) drew him away. He had Kiss’ blessing to pursue that dream, and now he calls him back under the Wallabies tent before he heads off to “The Land of the Rising Sun” to play for Urayasu D-Rocks in the Japan League One competition. Kiss said:
“He’s been out of the Australian system for a while, but it was important that we broaden our understanding of what’s available and how they’re looking.
“There are a lot of good back three in our country at the moment that are playing here.
“That’s what the importance of Super AU is for us, so we can look at these players and see them in action and keep a good eye on them. Jordan being a bit further away, being in France recently, we just felt it was the opportunity to bring him in and have a good look at him.
“Positionally, we know he’s covered wing, 15 and 13 in the past, so once he hits the ground with us, we’ll have a good look at it, but it’ll be definitely in one of those positions. Likely a back-three position, I’d say, at this stage.”
The poisoned chalice at No. 10 may not be such a curse, as some exciting five-eighths are coming through the ranks at the Queensland nursery. Finn Mackay, who starred at the recent U20s championships in Georgia, already having a Reds contract, and the St. Joseph’s Nudgee College Chilli Smith, son of Wallaby halfback the recently passed Brian Smith, carved it up in the Brisbane GPS competition, winning a fourth consecutive Premiership last weekend. And don’t forget Tom Lynagh, who was effective in driving his Queensland Reds side to a 21-12 halftime lead in his 40-minute cameo at Ballymore at the weekend.
