Experts pick Wallabies backline for first 2026 Test as big calls made on Thomas, Daugunu, Suaalii and Lomax
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Tim Horan has picked Kalani Thomas as his Wallabies backline bolter for the opening Nations Championship Test against Ireland in Sydney on July 4.
Stan Sport's other Rugby Heaven experts - Justin Harrison, Cameron Shepherd and Michael Atkinson - all opted for ACT Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan in the No.9 jersey.
NSW Waratahs veteran Jake Gordon and Queensland Reds stalwart Tate McDermott have been preferred in Joe Schmidt's tenure.
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The Rugby Heaven crew pick their Wallabies backlines. Stan
But the Waratahs are struggling for form and McDermott remains sidelined with injury.
McDermott's Reds teammate Thomas - a sparky 24-year-old - made his Wallabies debut against France in November.
"I've gone Kalani Thomas. I think his form the last three or four weeks has been great," former Wallabies selector Horan explained.
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Kalani Thomas of the Reds charges forward. Getty
"Ryan Lonergan probably got the jump on him early this year and is a goal-kicker, but I've got Carter Gordon at 10. We need someone who's going to be the 10 for the next two or three years.
"I know what he can produce. I don't think he's at his best yet."
Gordon has been named on Queensland's bench for Friday night's clash with the Chiefs after overcoming a minor knee injury.
Horan and Shepherd stuck with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at outside centre despite his long injury layoff and lack of impact in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
"I think he's wonderful, he's a star player in a gold jersey," Horan said.
The Test legend picked Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen as his starting wingers but said Zac Lomax would be his next cab off the rank.
Zac Lomax of the Force runs the ball. Getty
"If there's an injury to Pietsch or Jorgensen, I'd throw Zac Lomax in," Horan said.
"I've seen enough of him. I like what I've seen of Zac. He's got a long way to go, but mate, you've got to have him in that environment."
Harrison's biggest call was choosing versatile Reds veteran Filipo Daugunu over Suaalii at No.13.
Filipo Daugunu scores at AAMI Park. Getty
"Let's call it a controversial pick. You've got to find a way to get him in the team," the ex-Test lock said.
"Are Jorgensen and Pietsch out of the team? No way, because then they're gone forever and next contract they sign overseas because that's a consideration."
Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss pose during a media opportunity at Allianz Stadium. Getty
Schmidt will coach the Wallabies against Ireland, France and Italy in home Tests in July before handing the reins to Les Kiss.
"I'm hearing Les Kiss will come in and have a bit of an influence over maybe the second Test match against France in Brisbane, definitely the third Test match," Horan said.
"On a little bit of selection, but also how the game plan and the style of game that he wants to be able to pick up post those three Test matches."
