With Super Rugby Pacific entering the 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 2022 back 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 back row.
Michael Hooper
Michael Hooper is looking to back up his incredible 2021 season as he prepares to lead the Wallabies.
Hooper picked up where he left off after his foot injury, helping the Waratahs charge into the finals.
He is always one of the first selected for any squad and he'll play a big role in the England series and the 2022 International season.
Rob Leota
Leota is another who has missed a sizeable period of Super Rugby Pacific before returning to remind everyone of his impressive form.
The Melbourne-born backrower showed his class against the Kiwi opposition, producing some brutal performances to help the Rebels match it with the best as he filled in at lock, flanker and number eight.
Leota was Rennie's first choice at blindside throughout the Rugby Championship and Spring Tour and has backed up his Wallaby form into 2022.
Fraser McReight
McReight continues to press his case as the openside flanker of the future as he shines for the Reds.
The 23-year-old remains one of the best players at the breakdown in Super Rugby Pacific, along with proving as lethal in attack, recording a team-high 10 line breaks.
Even with Hooper still in his prime, McReight might not have to wait for much longer as he presses his claims to join the Wallabies skipper in the 23.
Pete Samu
Samu has been an underrated but reliable member of the Brumbies' title push as he anchors the scrum.
His combination with Valetini has been lethal as the ACT-based club secured a home final.
Samu has been primarily used as a super-sub off the bench at the international level, shining in that in the Rugby Championship, with Rennie eager for a similar impact against England.
Lachlan Swinton
Swinton has had a frustrating year after a strong 2021 campaign.
The backrower featured in the opening game of the season before nerve damage in his shoulder has prevented him from playing another minute.
Recovery remains his priority, pushing to be fit for the second half of the season.
Rob Valetini
The Brumbies enforcer has found another level in 2022 with a series of brilliant performances in Super Rugby Pacific.
He has been one of - if not the - best backrowers in the competition, with his influence evident in his recent injury after three straight defeats.
He largely featured at his preferred number eight in 2021, doing everything he can to fight off competition.
Harry Wilson
Speaking of number eight competition, Wilson has once again been one of the Reds' best in 2022.
His work rate is elite and he has shown off the improved footwork and acceleration after being left at home for the Spring Tour.
Wilson will be looking to make a statement against the Crusaders on Friday, knowing a strong showing will go a long way to cementing his spot.
Will Harris
Harris is one of the most improved players in Super Rugby Pacific after a breakout season for the Waratahs.
His physicality has given the Waratahs a new-found edge off the back of a new level of consistency.
The 21-year-old was one of several considered unlucky to miss out on the first squad, with his second-half form strengthening his claims for a maiden Wallabies call-up.
Liam Wright
Wright has made a major impact since his return for the Reds.
The co-captain has missed a large part of the season with a foot injury but returned in style off the bench last week, elevated to the starting side for the quarter-final.
Wright has flown under many radars and another strong outing against the Crusaders will do his chances little harm.
Fergus Lee-Warner
Lee-Warner has been one of the most consistent players for the Force since they have returned to Super Rugby.
The 2020 Nathan Sharpe Medalist consistently leads the way in terms of carries and tackles, with his offloading game taking centre stage in 2022.
He will head overseas in 2023, looking to add a maiden cap before he departs.
Michael Wells
Wells has become the leading man in Melbourne, time and time again delivering inspirational performances.
He has shined wherever picked in the Rebels backrow, relishing the chance to test himself against the Kiwi opposition.
Wells found himself selected for the France series, hungry to turn that into a debut in July.
Tim Anstee
Anstee is another who found himself in the frame for selection in 2021 before just missing out.
The Force backrower provides a unique set of skills, able to cover across the forward pack, as he finished with a bang in their push for the finals.
The 25-year-old showed off his bulked-up frame and will be hoping his late-season charge has done enough to see him selected.
