The first article on Schmudit's list looks at selection prospects and topics that Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt might consider after the weekend's action.
The 10th round of Super Rugby Pacific was full of thrilling action, with several players attracting attention with outstanding individual performances that would have impressed Schmidt.
'Junkyard Dog' reveals his name
The Brisbane-based team's 20-year-old left-winger was on the losing side of a thrilling clash between the Reds and Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. Tim Ryan He made a huge impact in the team's heartbreaking defeat against the Blues, scoring a hat-trick of tries.
The man known as “The Junkyard Dog” proved difficult to stop as he finished with an incredible distance of 162 meters. What made his performance so remarkable was the fact that he made his starting debut for the Reds after making a few appearances off the bench early on. season.
All his tries were well scored and great finishes. But his third shot, with a clean heel to All Blacks' Mark Teller on the way over the tryline, will long be remembered by Reds fans.
Tim Ryan's hat trick.what pic.twitter.com/xVvGgiry64
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 27, 2024
The forgotten wallaby raises its hand
In Canberra, the Brumbies were able to do what no other team has done this season as they defeated the Hurricanes, with a young fly-half leading the onslaught for Stephen Larkham's men. Noah LolesioHe last played for Australia under the guidance of Dave Rennie in 2022, with Eddie Jones opting not to select him at Test level in 2023.
However, the 24-year-old is a recall candidate for the Wallabies after a string of impressive performances for the Brumbies, with his best performance coming against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Lolesio tested the Hurricanes' defense and finished with a 44-metre gain, scoring 17 points with a try, three conversions and two penalties, helping his team win 27-19.
The other wallaby dumped by Jones is a speedster. Tom Wrightwas removed from the national team after the first Test in 2023 and never checked in again.
However, he has been in excellent form for the Brumbies all season, finishing the season with 148m against the Hurricanes, placing him first in that category for the season (707m). Wright also beat nine defenders and managed two offloads, currently ranking second in the division on the season.
Meanwhile, the Reds are in 8th place harry wilson The Wallaby also did not require Jones' services in 2023, but he has been in great form for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific this season, and also stood out with a fine performance against the Blues.
The 24-year-old emptied the tank with the ball in his hands in that match, finishing with 46 meters on a whopping 17 carries. Wilson is also the career leader in this season's tournament (116), 10 more than nearest rival Teller, but ahead of Crusaders and All Blacks flyer Seb Reece in offloads (13). It is in the top position along with .
The Blues claim a last-gasp victory over the Reds in a Super Rugby Pacific thriller in Brisbane.
Another standout performer for the Reds in their loss to the Blues was the Wallabies centre. hunter paisamihe almost missed out on 2023 Test selection due to back-to-back knee injuries.
The 26-year-old was solid in attack, picking up 30 meters of play against the Blues, and also showed his presence defensively, making 10 tackles. Paisami also showed his qualities as a playmaker with an outstanding assist in the build-up to Ryan's second try and was responsible for one of the standout moments of the match.
🔴 Hunter Paisami and Tim Ryan's magical moment ends in style! #SuperRugbyPacific #redvblue pic.twitter.com/l0F0YsSWKb
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 27, 2024
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Brumbies forward duo
Naturally, the Brumbies ended the Hurricanes' winning streak in Super Rugby Pacific, as well as the success of the Wallabies' star forward. Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper Both produced outstanding efforts and should not be underestimated.
Valetini was in the thick of the match from the start, putting in a great performance for the full 80 minutes and showing why he is Australia's current John Eales Medalist. Valletini was relentless with the ball in his hands, ultimately gaining 63 meters on 18 carries, ranking fourth in the latter category this season (91).
Hooper, on the other hand, played on the substitute bench, but when he took the field in the 48th minute, he looked like a caged animal, attracting attention with his physicality, testing the Hurricanes' defense, and unlucky enough to score. There wasn't. I tried because I was stopped while crossing the try line.
Other notable performers
Although the Brumbies were the only Australian team to win this weekend, several other players impressed with their respective teams' losses.
Dunedin veteran utility back curtley beer and the back row Carlo Tizzano Western Force had a narrow loss to the Highlanders, 7-6, but showed a solid performance.
and the Waratahs trio in Sydney. Mark Nawakanitawase (left wing), Lachlan Swinton (flanker) and Isaiah Perese He also showed great effort in the 38-22 loss to the Chiefs (who he returned as a substitute).
Nawakani Tawase scored 90 meters with 10 runs and scored a goal. Swinton, on the other hand, was the game's top defender with 17 hits, and was also active in attack, scoring one of his team's three tries. Perez, on the other hand, also looked dangerous when he entered the fray with the ball in his hands, eventually gaining 48 meters.
read more: Razor Watch: All Blacks return from injury, key factors as new recruits make selections