Wallaby Watch: Breaking down the outside back options ahead of the England series

Fri, Jun 10, 2022, 5:53 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has spoken after announcing his 35-man squad for the upcoming England Series.

With Super Rugby Pacific entering the semi-finals, the attention and hype towards a highly-anticipated series with England in July builds.

There have been plenty of players that have used the competition to press their claims for higher honours, rewarded with selection in Dave Rennie's first training squad of 2022back in April.

Don't miss out! Purchase your tickets for the Wallabies' three-Test series against England

Along with this, several stars have pressed their claim for a recall, peaking at the right time with finals and a stacked calendar on the horizon.

With this in mind,Rugby.com.au breaks down the options ahead of England, finishing at the outside backs.

For a breakdown of the rest of the squad, click here

In the Squad - Players selected in the first squad of 2022

Tom Banks

Banks is eager to end his stint with the Brumbies on a high as he guides them into the semi-finals.

His individual piece of brilliance was key in their quarter-final victory and reflects his impressive season.

The fullback will head to Japan at the end of the season, however, Dave Rennie has already confirmed this will not impact his selection as he looks to regain his position at the back

Jock Campbell

Campbell was rewarded for his high level of consistency with his maiden Wallabies call-up in April.

This continued into Super Rugby Pacific as he made the fullback position his own with the Reds.

The 27-year-old is a fan favourite and would do little wrong if called upon by the Wallabies.

Reece Hodge

Hodge embraced the Kiwi crossover as he guided the Rebels to a strong finish.

After an inconsistent start, the fullback played a major role in their late season charge. almost single-handedly getting them over the line against the Chiefs.

Like Banks, he will be hoping to regain his spot at fullback after injury derailed his 2021 campaign.

Andrew Kellaway

The Rebels flyer will be eager to back up his breakout 2021 campaign as he pushes for a spot in the starting side.

Kellaway floated around the backline for the Rebels, largely used at outside centre towards the end of the season.

However, he remains one of the premier wingers in the world and has done more than enough to retain his spot.

Jordan Petaia

Petaia has floated across the backline, showing serious improvement from 2021.

His shift to fullback was a success, producing a number of key performances before he was moved around the deal with the Reds' injury crisis.

His versatility is a major point of difference in his quest for a spot somewhere in the backline.

Toni Pulu

Pulu has struggled with injury in 2022, however, remains a reliable threat in the Force's backline.

The winger has been struck down at the worse times with injuries, managing just eight appearances in 2022.

His last two showings were strong, crossing the try line as he looks for a maiden call-up.

Tom Wright

Wright has been a reliable figure in the Brumbies' semi-final push as he showcases his talent.

He impressed at fullback with Tom Banks out and has solidified his claims as one of the best finishers in Australian Rugby.

Wright faces stiff competition across the backline but has the perfect chance to stake his claim against the Blues on Saturday.

Pushing for selection - Players outside of the first training squad staking their claims

Kurtley Beale

Beale will be looking to recapture his spot in the Wallabies' side after his impressive performance against Wales.

His return to the Waratahs in 2023 ensures he qualifies as a local player for the International season, returning from Racing 92.

Injuries has limited his campaign with the French club, last featuring in February, with recovery a key priority for the 33-year-old.

FIlipo Daugunu

Daugunu has bounced back to put himself in strong condition for the Wallabies squad.

The winger found himself out of the Reds squad after round two but has taken his second chance with open arms as he was one of their best in the quarter-final defeat to the Crusaders.

Daugunu ended last year as the incumbent and faces plenty of competition to retain his spot.

Marika Koroibete

Koroibete is one of three players who have been confirmed for the July series against England by Dave Rennie.

He played a starring role in the Top League Final for Suntory and enters in career-best form after departing the Rebels in 2021.

His inclusion all but ensures he will picked for the first Test, slotting back onto the wing.

Mark Nawaqanitawase

Nawaqanitawase has arguably been the breakout player of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

After initally being left out, the winger was a shining light for the Waratahs as he took over games, powering them to victories over the Crusaders and Highlanders.

There is plenty of competition likely ahead of him, with Australia A looming as a prime place to see where he sits in the deptjh chart.

Dylan Pietsch

Pietsch is another Waratah who has experienced an incredible 2022 campaign, launching him onto the Wallabies radar.

The Sevens convert continues to get better and his elusiveness is a major weapon.

Likewise with Nawaqanitawase, he needs further consistent performances, ideally with Australia A, to press his claims

Suliasi Vunivalu

Vunivalu remains one of the most lethal players when fit as he starred for the Reds.

He was impressive against the Kiwi sides, however, injuries remain a key worry for the league convert.

The Reds flyer will be hoping he has done enough to earn selection, looking to follow in the footsteps of Marika Koroibete.

Share
'No playing that underdog': Palu's clear mission for Brumbies as international SRW squad locked in
Former Wallaroos and Sevens flyer Samatha Treherne is the latest high-profile signing by the Western Force in 2025.
Force signing spree continues as Wallaroos flyer rounds out stacked women's squad
New Reds recruits Layne Morgan and Sarah Riordan are amongst the plethora of players moving clubs in 2025. Photo: Neha Kumar
Super Rugby Women's squads confirmed for 2025 season
Flying Fiji perfect prep for Wallabies ahead of Lions - Wright