Over the next few weeks, the team at RUGBY.com.au will be taking a look at the top Wallabies contenders in each position.
This week, we're looking at the form props of the Australian conference.
1. Sekope Kepu
Sekope Kepu would be the first picked for the Wallabies, having picked up where he left off upon returning to Super Rugby. The Waratahs scrum has improved each week and Kepu has been its most consistent member. The best tighthead going around in Australia at the moment.
2. Allan Alaalatoa
Allan Alaalatoa has been given extra responsibility with the Brumbies scrum this season and he’s shouldered that well, stepping up in the front row. Earned his Wallabies debut last year and has been transitioning into the tighthead role, to eventually play in tandem with childhood friend Scott Sio.
3. Tom Robertson
Robertson had a meteoric rise last season and while he hasn’t been the same surprise packet this year, he has shown his versatility, with a switch to loosehead to accommodate Sekope Kepu's return.
4. Ben Alexander
Alexander hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2014 but he’s been one of the form props of the competition so far this season. The Brumbies’ set piece has been the best of the Australian conference so far and Alexander has been key to that.
5. Scott Sio
Would likely be higher but had his season start delayed by injury. Can’t see him missing out on Wallabies contention and you’d think he’d be first-choice loosehead at full fitness.
6. Ben Daley
Daley has found some form in recent weeks at the Force, interchanging with Pek Cowan in the starting side. The Force scrum has been somewhat of a weapon and he again showed his potential against the Crusaders.
7. Pek Cowan
Similar to Daley, has kept the Force scrum stable in the opening month of the Super Rugby season. His experience is invaluable and though he might just miss out, his form has been promising, despite the Force’s 1-4 record.
8. Sam Talakai
Sam Talakai has shown plenty of potential for the Reds, one of the younger heads in a very experienced pack.
9. Tetera Faulkner
Has built a strong combination with the other Force props as they have shaped a strong set piece this season, alongside one of the countries best scrummaging hooker, Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Injured/unavailable players
Jermaine Ainsley, James Slipper.
