Fan favourite Harry Wilson did enough against the Chiefs to keep his name burning in the mind of Eddie Jones as he mulls his Wallabies Rugby Championship squad.
That’s the opinion of former Test lock turned players boss Justin Harrison, who was impressed with the No.8’s output in Queensland’s season ending loss on Saturday.
Wilson was a standout in the 29-20 defeat, continuing to press his selection claims after missing out on the Wallabies training camp on the Gold Coast in April.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific finals on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
“Harry needs to work harder to fulfil his talent,” Jones said after Wilson re-signed with Rugby Australia.
“I’m sure he will make the right choice and we are backing him 100 per cent.”
Wilson, 23, played 12 Tests for the Wallabies under Dave Rennie and is vying with Rob Valetini, Langi Gleeson and Pete Samu for selection.
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“I think he did enough to get a chance to keep showing that he’s got enough,” Harrison said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“There’s so few Tests leading into the World Cup now, also some Australia A games, there may even be some club games that players get a directive to play.
“He’s going to be given a chance to say ‘right, we’re going to watch the next two or three times you take the field, we need to keep seeing this and you’re going to be in the squad.’ That’s what Beaver’s (Jones) going to do.”
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Stephen Hoiles and Justin Harrison are backing the Brumbies against the Chiefs and reflect on the Waratahs and Reds bowing out of the Super Rugby Pacific finals
Jones has often spoken about the importance of chemistry in a squad and the value of personality for those not in the first choice XV.
“Every squad’s got to have a Harry Wilson in it,” Harrison said.
“It’s not just on the paddock sometimes as well, right. He’s a, he’s a galvanizer, a good country, barrel chested bloke from Queensland.
“That’s the sort of person, one of them, you want that bloke… he reminds me of how Gordon Falcon used to just run over someone and then run around and then run over him again. Like, mate, you’ve already beaten him. He was that mad.”
Wilson has plenty of admirers in New Zealand, including Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who will take the All Blacks reins next year.
“I don’t know what’s led to this love affair they have over in New Zealand,” Sean Maloney said on Between Two Posts.
Wilson rocked by Chiefs forwards
“But Kiwi commentators – I did a few spots last week with radio stations in New Zealand – they love Harry Wilson. They love the red head gear.”
Another young Reds star to impress this season was five-eighth Tom Lynagh.
The 20-year-old is the son of Wallabies legend Michael and he has inherited his cool head and razor sharp boot.
Lynagh tipped to emulate famous father
“What a steep learning curve this kid is on and long term he is surely a 10-year Wallaby,” Maloney said.
“Potentially three World Cups for that kid if he stays fit and keeps on that trajectory.”
Jones has name dropped Lynagh’s potential several times but he will first represent the Junior Wallabies at the under-20 world championship kicking off in South Africa on June 24.
“Which is great for him and great for us because we probably need that type of maturity,” Stephen Hoiles said on Between Two Posts.
“Even though you’d say he’s a young Super Rugby player, he’s already an experienced 20s player. He’s been excellent but he’s been better when he’s had (James) O’Connor at 12 outside him, which is often the case.”
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC SEMI-FINALS
Friday, 5.05pm kick-off AEST: Crusaders (2) vs Blues (3) in Christchurch
Saturday, 5.05pm kick-off AEST: Chiefs (1) vs Brumbies (4) in Hamilton
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