The top four Wallabies bolters … and my pick for new captain

If you landed from Mars in February and were told to pick a Waratahs outside back for the Wallabies, it wouldn’t be Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen or even Dylan Pietsch. That’s not to say none of that trio won’t be picked, but Reilly is the bloke who is impressing at the minute.

He’s so strong in contact that he usually beats the first man – and he beat five defenders against the Chiefs alone last week. His pace looks good, and his footwork is excellent – it’s absolutely no surprise that Darren Coleman has found a place for him in the starting lineup at the expense of higher-profile Waratahs. On form, he’s the man who gets in among the Waratahs outsides.

Rory Scott (Brumbies)

I’m a big fan of the Brumbies flanker – it’s no surprise that they produced their best performance of the season against the Hurricanes last week with Scott in the No.7 jersey.

He hasn’t got the amount of game time he would have liked this season, with the Brumbies possessing excellent alternatives such as Jahrome Brown and Luke Reimer, but Scott has the more complete all-round game. He’s definitely superior as a ball carrier, and he’s also made some real improvements with his physicality over the past two seasons.

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But, one the reasons that he appeals is that he’s still got so much more upside. He’s only 23 years old and would hit the 2027 Rugby World Cup at somewhere near his prime. It’s very high praise, but he does have a little bit of a young Josh van der Flier about him – he’s just got such a high involvement rate.

Tom Lynagh (Reds)

Can you still be a bolter when you’re the No.10 at the Reds? Possibly not, but Lynagh still flies under the radar somewhat. Perhaps people are wary about his size, or see a lack of an explosive running game, but all I see is a bloke with the strongest core skills of any of the young No.10s.

His temperament is his other strength – he just doesn’t seem to get rattled no matter what is being thrown at him. Of course, he’s still got a lot of learning to do, but he’s playing outside Tate McDermott and inside Hunter Paisami, who will surely be key men for Schmidt this year.

… and the new captain

Fraser McReight is the relatively clear choice. The 25-year-old Reds flanker has built on his game every year he’s been in Super Rugby. He’s tough, durable, will play 80 minutes every week, clearly loves the game and is in a position where he can influence the perception of his team with the referee.

Crucially, he’s also a walk-up start in the Wallabies team, although the improving Rory Scott (see above) will keep him honest. He’s got all the ingredients to do the job for the Lions series and the Rugby World Cup.

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