For now, Jordan Uelese’s international career looks over, with the former Rebels rake excluded from Joe Schmidt’s first Test squad.
It comes after the two-time World Cup member, who famously was first selected by Michael Cheika for the Wallabies after just 28 minutes of Super Rugby action in 2017, signed with Montpellier in the French Top 14, The Roar understands.
He is the latest player shunned by Schmidt for signing with a foreign club, with Izack Rodda also left out of the New Zealander’s first Wallabies squad after The Roar revealed he joined Provence in the French PROD2 competition.
Jordan Uelese played at two World Cups but has missed selection for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt after signing with Montpellier. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Others who have shared the same fate are Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Izaia Perese, Josh Kemeny as well as NRL defectors Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The decision to look past several Wallabies regulars shows a ruthlessness from Schmidt not previously seen by any former national coach.
It also suggests that Schmidt firmly has next year’s British and Irish Lions series in mind, with the next 14 Tests vital in the new Wallabies coach’s planning.
Uelese’s point of difference has long been his powerful frame, with the 27-year-old’s shoulders and physique helping the Wallabies around the park and, particularly, at the scrum.
Given the concerns in the front-row, where all five Australian Super Rugby sides, including the Brumbies, struggled at the scrum, it was thought Uelese’s scrummaging might be enough to keep him in the scrum until Brandon Paenga-Amosa arrives back.
But on the other side of the coin, Uelese’s throwing – the number one prerequisite for a hooker – has always been his Achilles heel.
While his throwing improved in 2024, with Uelese enjoying his most consistent year, his throw went from poor to mediocre.
Jordan Uelese’s lineout throw has always been an issue. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
In his place, Schmidt has turned to Billy Pollard and the uncapped Josh Nasser to join Matt Faessler as the side’s three hookers. Incumbent captain Dave Porecki is still sidelined with an Achilles issue.
It’s the lightest rake trio this century.
Elsewhere, Schmidt’s six props were predictable with World Cup loose-heads Blake Schoupp and Angus Bell sidelined. The versatile Harry Johnson-Holmes is also working his way back from an Achilles injury.
Former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman is in line to become just the fourth player to play for New Zealand and Australia, especially as James Slipper works his way back from a calf issue.
Taniela Tupou was selected as one of three tight-heads despite being told he’s not fit enough, with Allan Alaalatoa looming as the obvious captain and Zane Nonggorr also picked.
Rodda’s decision to head to France has left Australia short of experience in the second-row, particularly with World Cup locks Will Skelton and Richie Arnold not selected and to go toe-for-toe this weekend in the French Top 14 semi-finals.
Ryan Smith (Left) has earned selection over Josh Canham. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
In their place Schmidt has selected an inexperienced and light second-row, with five second-rowers picked and one hybrid.
There are two out-and-out uncapped locks, with Queensland’s Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth selected. While Force captain and second-rower Jeremy Williams, who is more likely to feature at blindside flanker, has also been selected.
Only Nick Frost and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have Test experience.
Darcy Swain was not selected, with the Force-bound lock enjoying some consistent minutes but failing to impose himself with the edge that once elevated him to the Test arena under Dave Rennie.