The week leading up to the first Wallabies Test of the year is renowned for its unbridled optimism amongst rugby fans. The rationale being that despite decades of underachievement, the Wallabies haven’t let us down yet this year.
There are so many possibilities, surprises, stories and new heroes that lie ahead. A dozen or so Tests later, that optimism often morphs into relief that the final Test of the year has concluded and there will be at least six months before we’re hurt again. But in 2024? On both the men’s and women’s side of Australian rugby, there’s more reason to be optimistic than ever before.
2025 is shaping up to be the most anticipated rugby season in this country since it hosted a World Cup in 2003.
Let’s start with the Wallaroos and Super W. After a horror start to the Jo Yapp era, winning only one from seven Tests prior to the WXV2 tournament in September, the Wallaroos finished the year strongly with three straight wins.
In the process of winning the WXV2 title, several less-experienced players produced standout performances, such as fullback Caitlyn Halse, fly-half Faitala Moleka, and No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra. With these players, alongside the already well-established and consistent performers, the Wallaroos match-day 23 were starting to threaten the opposition in all parts of the field.
Wallaroos Maya Stewart and Siokapesi Palu. (Source: Getty Images)
With this new-found depth in the Wallaroos squad, the 2025 Super W competition will present some mouth-watering matchups. New fly-half sensation Faitala Moleka of the ACT Brumbies will contend for Australian selection against Arabella McKenzie of the NSW Waratahs, as well as Carys Dallinger returning from injury for the QLD Reds. Returning NSW No.8 Piper Duck will need to win back selection from ACT’s Tabua Tuinakauvadra. Another backrow return will be Emily Chancellor, who missed the entire international 2024 season with an ACL injury. The versatile flanker will have to fight for either the No.6 or No.7 jersey with Ashley Marsters and Siokapesi Palu.
All of these selection quandaries have the potential to be exacerbated by a number of Australian Women’s Sevens stars who have expressed interest in playing the 15s game. The lure of the Rugby World Cup in England, beginning in August 2025, has already seen USA superstar Ilona Maher sign for Bristol in preparation for national selection.
Australia’s own Charlotte Caslick and Maddi Levi have been quoted as wanting to do the same. For context, Ireland’s 15s team recruited a number of their Sevens players in 2024 and successfully defeated the World Champion NZ Black Ferns. Could the Wallaroos do the same in 2025?
While the men’s side of international rugby does not hold a World Cup in 2025, it does boast a British and Irish Lions series in Australia. And thanks to their recent form and transformation under Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies have put faith back in the international rugby community that it will be a contestable series.
Joe Schmidt speaks with his players. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
This renewed enthusiasm for the Wallabies is due to a number of aspects, such as their innovative game plans, attractive and intelligent play, and the emergence of several players being in the conversation for a World XV. But the real kicker? Most rugby pundits and fans can see that this Wallabies squad still hasn’t reached its peak.
Across the Autumn Nations Series there were glimpses of stellar defence, thrilling attack, skilful kicking and passing, and bone-crunching physicality. These elements are yet to fuse for a full 80 minutes, despite getting close to achieving it against England and Ireland. Schmidt’s tactic of incrementally adding to his side’s arsenal since July has not gone unnoticed, and so, the expectation (and hope) is that the Wallabies will evolve even further for the Lions series.
One of the major reasons for the Wallabies’ steady rise this year has been due to the amount of leaders in the side. This isn’t in reference to Schmidt’s penchant for sharing around the captaincy, but rather key players who have previous leadership experience and have grown that experience at Test level.
Western Force captain Jeremy Williams has been a crucial figure in the lineout, and almost single-handedly transformed the Wallabies notoriously bad receipt of kick-offs. Len Ikitau has continued his ownership of leading the Wallabies defence, and has now improved his attack and distribution qualities at inside centre.
Noah Lolesio cemented his place as first-choice fly-half with his ability to organise pod formations and lead backline plays. Most significantly, though, captain Harry Wilson has not only demonstrated his ability to lead the national side, but also improved his performance at Test level.
If sport is the theatre of dreams, then rugby surely must be top billing. Narratives are what draw fanatics and casual admirers to the stands, television and social media. Australian rugby finally has a fresh story to tell – no longer one of crisis and despair, but one of hope, optimism, heroism and inspiration.
Will 2025 see a new Super W champion? Can Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii live up to his potential? Can the Wallaroos finally slay the Black Ferns dragon? Will the Wallabies defeat the Lions? Answers… next year. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.
