There’s more than just a Super Rugby title on the line in 2023.
For some, there’s an opportunity to show their mettle and prove why they should be picked to represent Australia in this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The return of Eddie Jones to the Rugby Australia fold has created that potential once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Watch the 2023 Six Nations on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad-free, live and on demand
He’ll be in the stands when the Waratahs play the Reds in Narrabri on Saturday, keeping a close eye on candidates to wear the green and gold.
Harry Wilson is among those players keen to impress.
The Reds star made his debut for the Wallabies in 2020 but fell out of favour with then-head coach Dave Rennie after 12 caps.
How Wilson fares in Super Rugby this season, and whether or not he is picked by Jones, could dictate his plans beyond 2023.
He has already seen Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Angus Scott-Young depart for Europe in search of greener pastures.
READ MORE: Furore erupts over Indian spinner’s ‘interesting’ move
READ MORE: Ugly truth hanging over Warner’s greatness
READ MORE: Great ‘confused and bewildered’ by Head axing
However, his hope – first and foremost – is to represent Australia at the Rugby World Cup.
“I want to play well at the start of the Super season and go from there,” said Wilson.
“(Jones’ arrival) gives everyone in Australian rugby – and someone like me who’s been in and out for a few years – a lot more hope.
“With new eyes watching it’s only good for my opportunities and any performance in front of him is only going to help you.
“But I’m very aware I won’t get picked if I don’t play well here.”
Watch the NSW Waratahs vs Queensland Reds on February 11 from 7:40pm on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad-free, live and on demand
The Reds will bring a stacked side to their match against the Waratahs.
Former NRL flyer Suliasi Vunivalu returns to the team after back-to-back seasons plagued by injury.
James O’Connor has also been named but will likely not play as he continues to recover from ankle surgery.
On the other side, the Waratahs have brought a slew of Wallabies players to the warm-up including Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lalakai Foketi, and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The ‘Tahs have also promoted Tom Lambert to the starting 15, joining Mahe Vailanu and Archer Holz in the front row.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm with coverage live and exclusively on Stan Sport.
The Reds and Waratahs Super W teams will act as a precursor, kicking off at 5.15pm.
Waratahs starting XV
1) Tom Lambert, 2) Mahe Vailanu, 3) Archer Holz, 4) Jed Holloway, 5) Ned Hanigan, 6) Lachie Swinton, 7) Charlie Gamble, 8) Will Harris, 9) Jake Gordon, 10) Tane Edmed, 11) Max Jorgensen, 12) Lalakai Foketi, 13) Mosese Tuipulotu, 14) Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15) Ben Donaldson
Waratahs bench
16) Tolu Latu, 17) Sateki Latu, 18) Te Tera Faulkner, 19) Hugh Sinclair, 20) Langi Gleeson, 21) Harrison Goddard, 22) Henry O’Donnell, 23) Nemani Nadolo, 24) Ben Dowling, 25) Hunter Ward, 26) Harry Wilson, 27) Taleni Seu, 28) Brad Amitanuai
Reds forwards
Connor Anderson, Richie Asiata, John Bryant, Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Lopeti Faifua, Luke Jones, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Dane Zander
Reds backs
Floyd Aubrey, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Kalani Thomas, Suliasi Vunivalu
Brumbies bring Wallabies stars for Rebels clash
Hometown hero Corey Toole will headline the Brumbies’ warm-up with the Rebels on Saturday.
He’ll be joined by fellow Wallabies, Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Darcy Swain, and Nick Frost.
Toole and Muirhead will occupy the wings while Weight will play fullback.
James Slipper, Cadeyrn Neville, Pete Samu, and Len Ikitau will make cameos off the bench.
After beating the Waratahs in their first warm-up match, it’ll be a case of trying to carry that momentum into the beginning of the season proper.
“We’re fortunate to be able to get some rugby into our returning Wallabies, and it will be a tough, physical test against the Rebels,” said head coach Stephen Larkham.
“Griffith set the standard last week and we’re excited to put on a special weekend of rugby in Wagga Wagga.”
In the Rebels came, Reece Hodge and Monty Ioane headline the internationals.
Kick-off is at 6.30pm.
Brumbies starting XV
1. Blake Schoupp, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Rhys Van Nek, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Charlie Cale, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Corey Toole, 12. Tamati Tua, 13. Ollie Sapsford, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright
Brumbies bench
Connal McInerney, Liam Bowron, Fred Kaihea, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Cadeyrn Neville, Jack Wright, Titi Nofoagatatoa, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Klayton Thorn, Nate Carroll, Jesse Mogg, Austin Anderson, Len Ikitau, Matias Jensen, Declan Meredith, Pedro Rolando
Rebels starting XV
Cameron Orr, Anaru Rangi, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Ray Nu’u, Stacey Ili, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge
Rebels bench
Issac Kailea, Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Daniel Maiava, Tim Cardell, Leafi Talataina, Zac Hoguh, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Mason Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley, Joe Pincus
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here
Wallabies spring tour winners and losers: From box office bolter to stars on the slide for Rugby World Cup
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
