The Australian Conference Preview

In this blog we look through each of the five Aussie teams and the Fijian Drua to highlight all the must know facts! Keep an eye out for our Draft Rugby Show as well where we will delve a bit deeper into the ins and outs of each team.

Check out our show at the links below:

Youtube: Waratahs, Reds & Drua Preview;
Force, Rebels & Brumbies Preview

Brumbies

Full squad:

Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Harry Vella
Hookers: Billy Pollard, Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney
Locks: Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain
Backrow: Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini
Halfbacks: Ryan Lonergan, Klayton Thorn, Nic White
Flyhalves: Jack Debreczeni, Noah Lolesio, Nathan Carroll
Centres: Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua
Outside backs: Declan Meredith, Jesse Mogg, Andy Muirhead, Ben O’Donnell, Corey Toole, Tom Wright

New Faces:
Declan Meredith, Charlie Cale, Harry Vella, Ben O’Donnell, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua

Losses:
Scott Sio, Irae Simone, Tom Banks, Folau Fainga’a, Rod Iona, Lachie Albert, Cam Clark

Best 15:
James Slipper, Nos Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa,
Darcy Swain, Nick Frost,
Pete Samu/ Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown / Pete Samu, Rob Valetini
Nic White, Noah Lolesio
Tamati Tua/Ollie Sapsford/Hudson Creighton, Len Ikitau
Muirhead/ Corey Toole, Tom Wright, Jesse Mogg

Stocks are rising:

Nos Lonergan - with Folau Fainga’a gone the jersey is his and he will really want to push his case and take his game to the nec level for the RWC23.
Jesse Mogg - with no Tom Banks and the only real competition for 15 from uncapped youngster Declan Meredith, this jersey is Mogg’s to lose.

Stocks are falling:
Andy Muirhead - With the likes of some actual quality players in Ben O’Donnell (wing for Connacht) and Corey Toole the majestic stepper, we expect Muirhead to lose out on some game time.

Smokies:
Corey Toole - The 7's flyer looks set to make his mark on the wing for the Brumbies.

Rebels

Full squad:

Props:  Jaiden Christian, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Gibbon, Isaac Kailea, Cameron Orr, Sam Talakai
Hookers: Theo Fourie, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Jordan Uelese
Locks:  Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Matt Philip, Tuiana Taii Tualima
Backrow: Richard Hardwick, Zac Hough, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Daniel Maiava, Brad Wilkin
Scrumhalves: Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Ryan Louwrens
Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste
Centres: David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lebron Naea, Ray Nu’u, Lukas Ripley, David Vaihu
Outside backs: Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Monty Ioane, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Glen Vaihu, likena Vudogo

New Faces:
Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Louwrens, Monty Ioane, Jaiden Christian, Theo Fourie, Zac Hough, David Feliuai, David Vaihu

Losses:
Michael Wells, Sef Fa’agase, James Hanson, Efi Maafu, Ross Haylett-Petty, Young Tonumaipea, Jeral Skelton, Matt To’omua,Joe Powell, Josh Hill, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Nowlan, Divad Palu

Best 15:
Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Pone Fa’amausili/Cabous Eloff
Matt Phillip, Trevor Hosea
Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Tamati Ioane
James Tuttle, Carter Gordon
Ray ‘the red card’ Nu’u/ Stacey Illi, Stacey Illi/ Lucas Ripley
Monty Ioane, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge

Stocks are rising:
Tamati Ioane - With Michael Wells gone time for him to lock down that 8 jersey, the only road block is Kemeny.
Carter Gordon - The ship is his to steer now that Toomua is gone.
Brad Wilkin - We finally started to see Brad Wilkins potential in 2022. He could have a huge year in 2023.
Monty Ioane - The Italian international is set to take Super Rugby by storm.

Stocks are falling:
Cabous Eloff - Pone is fit in 2023, despite his awesome year in 2022 he should get far less game time.
Jordan Uelese - With Alex Mafi joining the club, Uelese will find some stiff competition for game time.

Smokies:
Lucas Ripley - The exciting centre/ wing showed a small glimmer of his potential last season. If he gets game time expect his name to keep growing in stature.
Ilikena Vudogo - a Fijians 7s squad member and impressive Fiji U20s player, we hoped we would see him last season but he didn't quite cut it. An injury or two and it could be his time to shine.

Reds

Full squad:
Props:  Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Phransis Sula-Siaosi 
Hookers: Richie Asiata, Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, George Blake
Locks: Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Ryan Smith, Luke Jones, Wilson Blyth, Connor Vest
Backrow: Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Connor Anderson, Keynan Tauakipulu
Scrumhalves: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas
Flyhalves: Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor
Centres: Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami
Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey

New Faces:
Luke Jones (racing92), Phransis Sula-Siaosi (Souths), Connor Anderson (BKR Wests), Wilson Blyth (BKR Bond Uni), Keynan Tauakipull (Wests), Phil Blake (Defence Coach), ex all black Kane Hames (Scrum Coach)

Losses:
Albert Anae (released), Feao Fotuaika (Lyon), Alex Mafi (Rebels), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Northamptom Saints), Angus Scott-Young (Northamptom Saints), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels), Hamish Stewart (Force),  Ilaisa Droasese (Drua)

Best 15:
Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata/Josh Nasser/Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase
Ryan Smith/Angus Blyth, Luke Jones
Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson
Tate McDermott, James O’Connor
Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook/Jordie Petaia
Jordie Petaia/Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

Stocks are rising:
Sef Fa’agase - There should be plenty of opportunity for quality props at the Red's this year.
Zane Nonggorr ‘Baby Thor’ - It's time for the baby Thor to come out of Tupou's shadow!
Josh Flook - Even being talked about by Wallabies selectors, keep an eye on him.

Stocks are falling:
Fraser McReight - Might seem like a tough call considering his quality, but the Reds back rower has so much competition that he might just have to share his minutes.

Smokie:
Mac Grealy - So much competition but he could he sneak his way into the 23 and make a name for himself.
Seru Uru - With an ability to play lock or back row, the dynamic Fijian could force his way into the starting side.

Waratahs

Full squad:
Props: Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Archer Holz
Hookers: David Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Tolu Latu
Locks: Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Zane Marolt, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen,
Backrow: Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Ned Hanigan, Langi Gleeson Charlie Gamble
Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Harrison Goddard, Teddy Wilson
Flyhalves: Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Jack Bowen
Centres: Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu
Outside Backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kurtley Beale, Dylan Pietsch, Nemani Nadolo, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, Max Jorgensen

Best 15:
Angus Bell, David Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes,
Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan
Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson
Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson
Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese
Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Will Harrison

New Faces:
Kurtley Beale, Tolu Latu (Stade Francais), Tom Lambert (LH PR Glasgow Warriors 22yrs 188cm 115kg), Nemani Nadolo (Leicester Tigers), Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis), Taleni Seu (Toyota/chiefs), Zac Von Appen (LK Syd Uni), Zane Marolt (LK queanbeyan Whites), Jack Bowen (eastern Suburbs), Max Jorgensen (FB Joeys)

Losses:
Alex Newsome (Clermont), Jeremy Williams (Force), Jamie Roberts(retired), Henry Robertson(Force), Ruan Smith (Lions), Geoff Cridge (Bayonne), Tom Horton (Leicester Tigers), Max Douglas (Canon Eagles), Hugh Bokenham (Syd Uni), Carlo Tizzano (Ealing Trailfinders), Jack Grant(Ealing Trailfinders), James Ramm (Northampton Saints), Triston Reilly (West Tigers), Tevita Funa (western Syd 2blues), Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco (southern Districts/Parra?), Paddy Ryan (San Diego Legion), Adrian Brown (Eastwood), Hamdahn Tuipulotu (Auckland)

Stocks are rising:
Mark Nawaqanitawase - game time is locked in after his Wallabies debut!
Langi Gleeson - after an awesome Aus A/Wallabies debut and with the departure of Rahboni he is surely set to get a lot of game time in 2023.

Stocks are falling:
Will Harris - Can play 6 or 8 but has stiff competition again with Gleeson and Swinton.
Dylan Pietsch - Whilst showed some awesome form. We anticipate he’ll be giving his last 30 minutes of each game to Nadolo.

Smokies:
Taleni Seu - if he is starting at lock could be an absolute value pick.
Nemani Nadolo - if there is an injury and he ends up starting. Even at 34 years old the man is still shredding. Just do yourself a favour and go re-watch his highlights on youtube

Western Force

Full squad:
Props: Angus Wagner, Bo Abra, Charlie Hancock, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Siosifa Amone, Andrew Romano
Hookers: Feleti Kaitu'u, Folau Fainga'a, Jack Winchester
Locks: Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Will Sankey. 
Backrow: Jackson Pugh, Kane Koteka, Michael Wells, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Ned Slack-Smith. 
Scrumhalves: Ian Prior, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Henry Robertson
Flyhalves: Reejan Pasitoa, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty
Centres: Bayley Kuenzle, Grason Makara, George Poolman, Oliver Cummins  
Outside backs: Chase Tiatia, Daniel Ala, Jake Strachan, Manasa Mataele, Toni Pulu, Reece Tapine, Rupeni Mataele  

New Faces:
Siosifa Amone (PR from Associates, Charlie Hancock (PR from Sydney University), Wilton Rebolo (PR from United States Rugby New York), Andrew Romano (PR from Cottesloe), Folau Fainga'a (HK from Brumbies), Felix Kalapu (LK from United States Old Glory DC), Jeremy Williams (LK from Waratahs), Ned Slack-Smith (BKR from Warringah), Michael Wells (BKR from Rebels), Henry Robertson (SH from Waratahs), Bryce Hegarty (FH from England Leicester Tigers), Hamish Stewart (FH from Reds), Oliver Cummins (CE from Scots College), George Poolman (CE from Sydney University), Sam Spink (CE from England Wasps), Rupeni Mataele (OB from Scots College), Chase Tiatia (FB from New Zealand Chiefs)

Losses:
Greg Holmes (PR retired), Harry Lloyd (PR released), Andrew Ready (HK to France Colomiers), Jeremy Thrush (LK retired), Fergus Lee-Warner (BKR to England Worcester Warriors), Alex Masibaka (BKR to France Montpellier), Brynard Stander (BKR released), Michael McDonald (SH to Ireland Ulster), Jake McIntyre (FH to France Perpignan), Kyle Godwin (CE to France Lyon), Richard Kahui (CE retired), Brad Lacey (OB released), Byron Ralston (OB to Ireland Connacht), Jack McGregor (FB to Gordon)

Best 15:
Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano
Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda
Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Michael Wells,
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bryce Hegarty,
Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle
Manasa Mataele, Toni Pulu, Chase Tiatia

Stocks are rising:
Bryce Hegarty - The former Reds and Waratahs 10/15 is now an experienced playmaker able to add plenty to the Force game management.
Chase Tiatia - If he can nail down a spot he should blow out the attacking stats.

Stocks are falling:
Reesjan Pasitoa - Injured and will miss the bulk of the season
Bayley Kuenzle - So much competition with players stronger than last year at 10 and 12 could mean he ends up at outside centre or even the bench.
Folau Fainga’a- No more Brumbies means no more rolling maul tries. Add that to stiff competition from Kaitu'u and he might drop down a beg in 23.

Smokies:
Jackson Pugh - Had a huge season with Auckland in the NPC. If he can continue his development then he could really surprise the Australian fans.

Fijian Drua

Full Squad:
Prop: Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
Hooker: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Lock: Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele                            
Backrow: Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani                      
Scrumhalves: Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu
Flyhalves: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela       
Centres: Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota
Outside backs: Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

Best 15:
1. Haereiti Hetet 2. Mesulame Dolokoto 3.Samuela Tawake
4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele
6. Joe Tamani  7. Vilive Miramira 8. Meli Derenalagi (C)
9. Frank Lomani 10. Teti Tela
11. Vinaya Habosi 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou 13. Apisalome Vota 14. Selestino Ravutaumada 15. Kitione Taliga

Stocks are rising:
Meli “The White Shark” Derenalagi - Nemani Nagusa has gone, Fiji 7s 2019 Rookie of the year then captained them in 2020 in Sydney. Known for his quality offload, he is also an olympic gold medalist.
Joseva Tamani - 24yr old; Flanker/ Lock - Melbourne Rising 2019 (2 caps) - Played for Newcastle in the Shute Shield last year and was UNBELIEVABLE. Go watch his highlights! After 10 rounds he had 11 offloads (5th), 17 linebreaks (4th), 
Mesulame Dolokoto - A hooker that played 2 games at 7!

Stocks are falling:
Vilive Miramira - There could be huge competition from Kiti Salawa.

Smokies:
Iosefo Masi - The 7's star can play at centre or outside centre. If given the opportunity he could be a breakout player.
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta - Has the ability to play lock or 6 could set him up for big game time if he has dropped the extra weight from last season.
Kitione Salawa Jnr - Mick Byrne singled him out as a player to watch this season - 21yr old openside flanker.

Written by your local rugby nerd Harrison Dale.