Waratahs teen sensation Max Jorgensen a 'certain' pick for Wallabies
Former Australian international Tim Horan has tipped Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones to select an in-form Max Jorgensen ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
At just 18 years old, the Sydneysider made his Super Rugby Pacific debut with the NSW Waratahs this year.
The school-boy prodigy arrived with plenty of hype, although his first appearance came in the No.11 jersey on the wing rather than his customary No.15 jersey at fullback.
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Jorgensen starred on debut against the ACT Brumbies, scoring twice.
Max Jorgensen of the Waratahs is tackled by Filipo Daugunu of the Queensland Reds. Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images
Since then, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride as far as his form has gone, but a shift into his preferred No.15 jersey has unleashed the St Josephs College product.
Jorgensen was part of Jones' Wallabies training camp earlier this year.
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Speaking after the Waratahs' win over the Fijian Drua, Stan Sport's Tim Horan hailed Jorgensen's run of form.
"I think there's a big step up from school-boy rugby to Super Rugby, but also there's a massive step up from Super Rugby to Test footy," said Horan.
"I think Eddie Jones will certainly have him in the Wallabies squad. That's the best game and the most complete game I've seen from Max Jorgensen this year.
"Just his kicking game, the way he ran, the defence, he made a couple of crucial tackles, but also his off-loads for a couple of those tries was really important.
"I think he's seeing the game a little bit differently in the 15 jersey compared to when he's on the wing.
"He's got some confidence and I hope, I really hope that you look against the Crusaders next week and they pick a full-strength team.
"They can just pit themselves against one of the best teams in the world in New Zealand."
Max Jorgensen is on Eddie Jones' radar ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Brett Hemmings via Getty Images
Jorgensen was the man of the match for the Waratahs, playing a key role in the team's 32-18 win.
He made the most metres of any player with 84, made 12 carries, and made three try assists.
"I'm feeling more and more comfortable each week now, especially making those connections with Dylan (Pietsch): and Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) on the wing in the back three there," Jorgensen explained.
"I'm just feeling more comfortable in the 15 jersey. Obviously with 15 being my natural position I tend to play better there, see more, and I just feel like I can play my natural game there at 15."
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones talks with Max Jorgensen during an Australia Wallabies training camp at Sanctuary Cove. Chris Hyde via Getty Images
Jorgensen admitted he has had to work hard between round one and round 13 to better his physical endurance.
"Definitely at the start of the start of the season, the first couple of games, I was feeling the hits, feeling the tackles," he explained.
"Each game I play now I'm getting more used to it and feeling more comfortable as I said and those hits aren't hurting as much."
It all bodes well for Jorgensen and his Rugby World Cup hopes.
The Waratahs will play the Crusaders in Christchurch in round 14 before hosting Moana Pasifika in Sydney in round 15.
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