Wallaby Watch: Breaking down the centre options ahead of the England series

Wed, Jun 8, 2022, 3:38 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has spoken after announcing his 35-man squad for the upcoming England Series.

With Super Rugby Pacific entering the semi-finals, the attention and hype towards a highly-anticipated series with England in July builds.

There have been plenty of players that have used the competition to press their claims for higher honours, rewarded with selection in Dave Rennie's first training squad of 2022back in April.

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Along with this, several stars have pressed their claim for a recall, peaking at the right time with finals and a stacked calendar on the horizon.

With this in mind, Rugby.com.au breaks down the options ahead of England, looking at the halves.

For a breakdown of the forwards and halves, click here

In the Squad - Players selected in the first squad of 2022

Lalakai Foketi

Foketi continues to fly under the radar at club and International level but has stepped up his game in 2022.

His combination with Perese is deadly and played a major role in the Waratahs making the semi-finals.

Handed his debut in the final game of the season, Foketi has all the skills necessary to thrive if given further opportunities for the Wallabies

Len Ikitau

Ikitau picked up from where he left off in 2022, proving integral in the Brumbies' rise to the semi-finals.

He remains lethal in attack whilst providing a solid and reliable figure in defence for an ACT-side that conceded the second-least tries in Super Rugby Pacific.

Ikitau's performance during the Rugby Championship and Spring Tour has him in the box seat for the England series, looking to further his case against the Blues on Saturday.

Hunter Paisami

The Reds enforcer has been one of their best during Super Rugby Pacific as he delivered big hit after big hit.

The 24-year-old continues to refine his playmaking abilities, which has come on in leaps and bounds in 2022.

He missed the back-end of the season with injury before returning for their quarter-final defeat to Crusaders, sending the perfect reminder to Wallaby selectors of his immense talent.

Izaia Perese

Perese is another exciting centre who had his impressive season cut short by injury.

The Waratahs' explosiveness is a major point of difference, producing 40 tackle busts in Super Rugby Pacific, the tied-highest by an Australian alongside teammate Dylan Pietsch.

He was a week away from appearing for the Waratahs in the finals and will be eager to build off last year's maiden cap against Scotland.

Pushing for selection - Players outside of the first training squad staking their claims

Josh Flook

Flook is one of the brightest talents of the future as he becomes a crucial member of the Reds' backline.

His versatility was crucial during an injury-hit season as he starred at both centre and wing, showcasing his deceptive pace and playmaking abilities.

A shoulder injury ended his season early, however, he will be hoping to feature in some capacity, likely for Australia A.

Samu Kerevi

Kerevi reminded everyone of his talent in 2021, helping the Wallabies build a commanding winning streak.

Whilst he only featured in five games, his influence was so powerful the 28-year-old was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year.

Kerevi has maintained that form with Suntory and looms as one of the favourites to be called upon by Dave Rennie as one of three International choices.

Irae Simone

The Brumbies centre remains one of the most consistent players in Super Rugby Pacific as he orchestrates their backline.

His try against the Hurricanes in the quarter-final showcased his power and strength whilst remaining reliable as ever in defence.

He will head overseas at the end of the year, however, further performances like that, especially against Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the Blues on Saturday, will give Rennie plenty to think about.

Hamish Stewart

Stewart is the general of the Reds' backline, marshalling their defence.

He remains a constant fan favourite in Queensland as he flies under the radar, delivering consistently strong performances.

Whilst this hasn't correlated to a maiden Wallabies call-up, he will likely be firmly in the mix for Australia A.

Matt To’omua

To’omua has become a forgotten man of sorts in Australian Rugby, however, produced an solid finish to the season for the Rebels.

His return to inside centre would have pleased Dave Rennie as he helped guide the team to an impressive win over the Highlanders in the final game of the regular season.

To'omua was the first-choice inside centre in 2021 and will be hoping his late season surge has done enough to earn a call-up.

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