The Wallabies’ transition from veteran fly-halves, such as Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley, to the young crop was not as seamless as might’ve been hoped.
Eddie Jones single-handedly planted a speed bump in the path of Noah Lolesio, who many had tipped to be Australia’s No.10 of the future. Add to that the loss of Carter Gordon from rugby altogether, and the halves pipeline appeared cracked if not already ruptured.
But there’s a wave of youngsters under 21 years of age ready to step up in years to come and fill the gap, at both No.9 and No.10. It may be some time before we see them in gold – Tom Lynagh excepted – but Super Rugby success is well and truly on the horizon.
Halfback
As a former prop, I’m not really qualified to comment on what a good No.9 looks like but I’m going to anyway. With Ryan Lonergan looking a bit wobbly at times this year and the shelf life of Jake Gordon and Nic White getting closer to expiry, there’s an opportunity for a good young half to make a run for the home World Cup in 2027.
Teddy Wilson
A young bloke many have high hopes for, Wilson delivers a great pill, pushes tempo and is dynamite around the ruck. Apparently needs to work on his kicking game, particularly his box kicks, but some will tell you that a deficiency there is a point in his favour. A smokey for the next World Cup.
Teddy Wilson playing for Junior Wallabies. (Photo by Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images)
Angus Grover
One of the finds of the Under-18s tour, Grover is another with an eye for space around the ruck and looks pretty robust through contact. Between him and Wilson, the Tahs look to be in safe hands for the long term at No.9.
James Martens
Not the most polished halfback on this list but has a running game that demands attention. A point of difference player that looks made for Super Rugby once his consistency around passing and tactical kicking comes good.
Dan Nelson
A key reason the Brumbies won the Under-19s in 2023, Nelson is one of the newer breeds of Brumbies recruits who weren’t glossed over by the Tahs, but rather was a key part of the NSW program and left regardless. He will be competing with the next bloke on this list for game time.
Klayton Thorn
The reliance of Wilson in the 2023 Under-20s campaign provides limited opportunities for Thorn but the bits I’ve seen of him paint the picture of a sharp young scrum-half. Probably not far off getting more regular time for the Brumbies so will see if he can make the most of those opportunities when they arise.
Honourable mention: Doug Philipson
Fly-half
What Aus Rugby would do for a fly-half in the mould of Finn Russell. He’s the style of pivot that a subset of our fans will only ever be happy with but there’s not exactly one in the holster right now. Plenty of good young No.10’s kicking around at the moment but for mine, Joe Walsh signing for the Manly Sea Eagles is a huge loss and Carter Gordon walking away will always hurt.
Talen Risati
As much as I hate pumping up a young bloke’s tyres so early in their career, Risati looks like an incomparable talent at fly-half. Imagine having a Folau or Suaalii-style threat that can also run the cutter. I’m hoping I’m wrong but I think he’s more league than union. He and Lemoto are the only two dual code talents I think RA need or needed to get in a bidding war over. Their points of difference make them worth swiping the credit card again.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
You’ve seen it and read it plenty of times on here already so it doesn’t bear repeating. He’s got it all just needs time to mature.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips of the Reds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Jack Bowen
A natural fly-half with an eye for space, one of the most appealing parts of the Bowen narrative is his combination with Teddy Wilson. They’ve been playing together for years and there would be something of a throwback to the amateur era in seeing them take that partnership to a higher level. Thought his debut game this year was really impressive and should put a lot of pressure on Edmed despite Tiki Tane’s good finish to the year.
Tom Lynagh
Again you’ve seen it, heard it all before. Needs a few more cheeseburgers.
Joe Dillon
Absolutely loved watching Dillon play for the Brumbies Under-19s this year. Doesn’t look like a footy player but jeez he certainly is one. Real competitor, great vision and fires a lovely pill. If the Brumbies are smart, they’ll lock him up quickly as the eventual successor to Lolesio when he moves on.
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Honourable mention(s): Joey and Jonty Fowler
