Maya goodness: Is this the best player in Australian rugby right now?

If you can find a better player in Australian rugby than Maya Stewart right now, you’re doing well. The Wallaroos winger is in white-hot form and was outstanding again in Australia’s tense 33-26 win over South Africa in the WXV2 on Sunday morning in Cape Town.

Stewart scored in a sixth straight Test, and broke Tricia Brown’s all-time Wallaroos record of 14 career tries.

Do yourself a favour and search up Stewart’s tries recently - the pick was against Wales last week, where she beat six from 55 metres out, and against South Africa she also turned on a bit of Lomu-esque power to set one up.

As a finisher, Stewart is only challenged in Australian rugby by Maddi Levi, Tim Ryan and teammate Desi Miller, so cop the tip Rugby Australia: the NRLW types will be circling Stewart like sharks.

The Wallaroos are finally finding form under Jo Yapp, and take on Scotland for the WXV2 title next Sunday.

Suaalii set to join Wallabies camp

Joseph Suaalii is set to be on deck with the Wallabies at their Sydney training camp on October 14, and then go on tour with Schmidt’s squad next month.

We hear talks between RA, Suaalii and the Roosters have gone smoothly and an arrangement has been all-but agreed for the new recruit to get started at the October 14 camp. His contract begins with RA on November 1.

Where things would have been rushed with a November 1 start, Suaalii’s camp involvement opens up the possibility of the 21-year-old at least playing in one of the Wallaby XV fixtures (Australia A) early in the Spring tour, which were officially announced last week. They play Bristol on November 9 in Bristol, and then England A at the Stoop on November 18, a few hours before the Wallabies play Wales in Cardiff.

Attack of the clones

If you’re searching for reasons to be optimistic about Australian rugby, look no further than the Australian under 18s’ victory over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton on Sunday. It was the first win since 2019 - a team that contained Suaalii, Billy Pollard and Josh Flook.

The 38-31 scoreline actually flattered New Zealand, who were monstered by the massive Aussie forward pack and only stayed close due to some ropey refereeing in the last quarter.

Heinz Lemoto makes a break against New Zealand.Credit: Getty Images for Rugby Australia

Lock Will Ross, flanker Eli Langi and hooker John Grenfell were all strong, and giant no.8 Heinz Lemoto was superb. Lemoto is only in year 11 at Scots, and though connected with the Panthers, rugby types are working to keep him in the 15-man game, ala Zach Fittler.

Angus Grover and Jonty Fowler in the halves were also excellent.

But the standout of the Aussie under 18s was loosehead prop Kingsley Uys, a 16-year-old from The Southport School and Reds academy. If you chucked Angus Bell in a cloning machine, Uys would charge out with high knees and an offload. Keep an eye out for man known as “Dozer”.

Kinglsey Uys (right) is an exciting prospect for Australian rugby.Credit: Getty Images for Rugby Australia

New Zealand to count as local for Wallabies

James O’Connor signing with the Crusaders last week caught many by surprise. When the 34-year-old sought a release from the Reds to explore “overseas opportunities”, most thought he meant a longer flight than the hop to Christchurch.

But it was a win for both. The Crusaders, a powerhouse club who battled last year without Richie Mo’unga, had been searching for a no.10 and coach Rob Penney already had a dip at signing Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed.

O’Connor was considering options in US or lower tier French rugby but playing for the Crusaders, who still have many All Blacks on their books, keeps him much more in the frame for Wallabies duties, and a potential call-up for the British and Irish Lions tour. Schmidt has backed Noah Lolesio, with Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh behind him - and he will likely involve Edmed up for the Spring Tour.

But none have O’Connor’s experience and he is still one of the best in Australia at squaring up defenders. A strong season helping the Crusaders back to their feet could prise open a door.

James O’Connor in action for the Reds against Wales.Credit: Getty Images

Where it gets interesting is O’Connor would likely not be classed a “Giteau Law” overseas player, if selected. Informed sources say Rugby Australia have discussed the scenario and are prepared to categorise O’Connor as a local. Same with World Cup Wallabies prop Pone Faamausili, who just signed with Moana Pasifika, and any other Aussies who head east for Super Rugby.

Rugby Australia have made it known to the NZR they’d love an open borders policy in Super Rugby, and encouraged them to look at their eligibility rules so All Blacks can be selected from Australian teams. There is lots of water to flow under that bridge - Kiwis currently wouldn’t trust Aussie franchises with their stars - but RA would love to sell a couple of years in Coogee or Cottesloe to the next Mo’unga, looking for a seachange.

Grade two death stare

If you spent any time in Australian rugby in the 2010s - as a player, administrator or journo - you probably copped some “intense eye contact” from Michael Cheika at some point. Cheika’s death stare is a good ’un.

But Cheika copping a two-match ban for grade three ocular assault - aka disrespecting a match-day doctor - after his first game coaching Leicester seems a tad ridiculous. It happened in a post-match exchange where Cheika sought clarity about an HIA bungle.

You get the sense English rugby authorities were ready and waiting to slap Cheika at the first opportunity.

His track record isn’t flash - Cheika has been in hot water for referee abuse in Ireland and France, and swearing at a cameraman in South Africa - but the irony of him copping a two-match ban for intimidating the doc is Cheika’s old reputation doesn’t necessarily fit anymore. Those who know him will tell you Cheika has chilled and is far milder these days.