Schmidt’s List: The Junkyard Dog’s incredible scoring feat while Noah Lolesio pulls the strings
In our fifth instalment of Schmidt’s List, we discuss selection prospects and topics which Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt could be considering after the weekend’s action.
With Super Rugby Pacific heading towards its business end, Round 14’s results saw the Brumbies and Reds leading the way as the only Australian sides who managed to secure victories.
While there were excellent performances from players from those sides, which would have made a positive impression on Schmidt, there were also competitive displays from some individuals playing for the Waratahs, Rebels and Western Force as well.
The ‘Junkyard Dog’ shows his class again
We’ve sung the young Reds flyer Tim Ryan‘s praises several times since he announced himself with a hat-trick of tries against the Blues a month ago in Round 10 and since then he has gone from strength to strength, rocketing up Super Rugby Pacific‘s try-scoring charts.
On Saturday, Ryan made history during the Reds’ 59-13 triumph over the Force in Brisbane when he became the first player in the professional era to score two hat-tricks for the Brisbane-based outfit.
The 20-year-old, who is a?huge fans’ favourite in Brisbane, has now made just four starts for the Reds – along with some games off the replacements bench – but has crossed the whitewash at least once in each of his run-on appearances and is currently the joint second highest try-scorer in the competition with nine tries, just two adrift of the Crusaders’ Sevu Reece.
Do you think Wallaby contention is on the cards for the Junkyard Dog? ?
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Against the Force, the man known as the “Junkyard Dog” made an immediate impact as he crossed the whitewash as early as the fifth minute before scoring two further tries in the second half.
Apart from his two hat-tricks, he also was also rewarded with a brace against the Crusaders and another try against the Rebels and with him being in a ich vein of try-scoring form it’s unfathomable that Schmidt will not include him in the Wallabies‘ squad for their upcoming Test series against Wales in July.
As the scoreline suggests, the Reds dominated proceedings against the Force at the weekend and apart from Ryan, the likes of Seru Uru and Fraser McReight caught the eye with excellent displays up front, while, amongst the backs, it was Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook and Tom Lynagh who led the way with commanding performances. All four of the aforementioned players should also come into the reckoning for Test call-ups.
Brumbies playmaker puts his hand up
Even cramp can’t stop ‘Junkyard Dog’ creating history for Reds
Another player who is knocking on the Wallabies door is Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio, who delivered another fine performance during the men from Canberra’s one-sided 53-17 home victory over the Melbourne Rebels.
Lolesio has been out of the international picture since 2022 as former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones did not select him in 2023, but the 24-year-old has played consistently well at Super Rugby Pacific level in 2024 and his form is a big reason why the Brumbies are currently amongst the frontrunners in the competition and on a five-match winning streak.
Against the Rebels, Lolesio impressed with his playmaking skills as he provided try-scoring opportunities for his team-mates and also shone off the kicking tee as he finished with an 18-point haul after slotting six conversions and a couple of penalties.
Brumbies full-back Tom Wright is another player who is chasing a Wallabies recall in 2024, after making just one Test appearance last year before being dropped by Jones, as he continued with his brilliant attacking form against the Rebels and was rewarded with two tries for his efforts – a feat which puts him level with Ryan, Chiefs speedster Emoni Narawa and Blues number eight Hoskins Sotutu in the try-scoring charts.
Lolesio and Wright were not the only Brumbies players to impressed in the win over the Rebels as their were solid performances from Rob Valetini and Nick Frost up front, while Ryan Lonergan and Corey Toole also looked dangerous on attack amongst the backs.
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Other notable performers
While the Waratahs’ annus horribilis continued courtesy of their 27-12 defeat against Moana Pasifika in Auckland – a result which assures them of the wooden spoon in this year’s competition – there were some players who can hold their heads high.
In the forwards, young number eight Langi Gleeson emptied the tank on attack and was rewarded with a try for his efforts but also put in a big defensive shift as he made 13 tackles.
Meanwhile, in the backline, Dylan Pietsch led the way with a superb attacking display which saw him gaining 131 metres from 13 runs which included two clean breaks, 11 defenders beaten and three offloads.
In Canberra, the Rebels were outplayed in most departments but Andrew Kellaway came to the fore with a superb attacking performance. The full-back gained 73 metres from 12 carries with two clean breaks, four defenders beaten and an offload.
Another player who gave Schmidt a timely reminder of his ability was star front-row Taniela Tupou, who came off the replacements bench and put in a big 40-minute shift as he scrummed solidly and was a willing ball carrier.
Elsewhere, Force backline duo Kurtley Beale and Bayley Kuenzle put in fine attacking performances, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the Reds.
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