Wallaby rookie bolters: Can Kyle Godwin, Will Skelton and co earn a Test call-up?

WHICH Aussie players are showing enough Super Rugby form to warrant a breakthrough Test call-up? We run our eyes over the Wallaby bolters.

Alofa Alofa scores for a try for the Waratahs.

LET’S talk Wallaby bolters.

Last week we looked at the comeback kings looking to work their way back into the gold jersey after missing last year’s Spring Tour through injury.

Now we turn our attention to the rookies putting their hands up for a breakthrough Wallaby call-up.

With the help of Fox Sports Stats, we run the rule over the players on the fringe of Test selection and how they have been performing in Super Rugby so far this year.

Note: Brumbies flyer Henry Speight was not considered, as he won’t be available for Wallaby selection until September.

WALLABY BOLTERS

Jake Schatz on the charge for the Reds.

Jake Schatz (Reds, No. 8): The Queenslander was all set for his Wallabies debut last September, when he was named on the bench for Australia’s clash with the Springboks. But a knee injury cruelly ruled him out, and he subsequently underwent surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of 2013.

Schatz has been busy making up any lost ground this season with some strong performances in Super Rugby. He has been the go-to man at lineout time for the Reds with a team-high 23 wins, including one steal.

Defensively he’s been a powerhouse, making the second most tackles (52) and forcing the most breakdown penalties (two) for Queensland. He’s also been strong in attack, making the most ball carries (35) by a Reds player, and third most run metres (151m) by a forward in the team.

Waratahs giant Will Skelton could come into the Wallabies selection frame.

Will Skelton (Waratahs, lock): If they selected squads based purely on size, this monster second-rower would be a certainty for a Wallaby call-up. Standing at 2.03m and weighing in at 137kg, Skelton has the frame to terrorise at Test level, but at 21 and having only just hit the double-figures mark for Super Rugby caps he’s still pretty raw.

Skelton is also averaging just 37 minutes per game for the Tahs this season, with three of his five appearances so far coming off the bench.

When he has been on the field he’s made an impact as a strong ball-carrier, averaging five runs per game for 28m. As his size suggests he is tough to stop, and he’s busted through six tackles. He has also backed up this attack with solid defence. After missing five tackles in the opening game against the Force, he has missed just one tackle in his past four matches while making 16.

Alofa Alofa scores for a try for the Waratahs.

Alofa Alofa (Waratahs, winger): Now this would be a bolt from the (sky) blue. Alofa, a former NRL rookie, forced his way into the Waratahs starting side after some eye-catching displays in the pre-season.

He marked his debut with a try in the Tahs’ season-opening win over the Force and has continued to stand out with his freakish fast-stepping that makes him a handful to stop.

Alofa has made the second most linebreaks (four) and fourth most tackle busts (13) by a Waratahs player so far this season.

Rugby. Western Force v Melbourne Rebels at NIB Stadium in Perth. pictured — Force Kyle Godwin

Kyle Godwin (Force, centre): The young gun from the west has long been touted as a future Wallaby, and his time will surely come. But how soon?

The talented inside centre has been a shining light for the Western Force over the past two seasons and he continues to lead the club’s attack. He has the most run metres (290m), second most tackle busts (nine), and runs (35). He is also equal third for most line-breaks.

Established Wallabies Matt Toomua, Pat McCabe and Kurtley Beale all stand in his way, but as Godwin continues to shine he will surely force his way into a Wallaby squad at some stage.

Aidan Toua makes a break for the Reds.

Aidan Toua (Reds, fullback): The PNG-born flyer made his Super Rugby debut way back in 2011, but it has taken until 2014 for him to string together more than two games in a season. He kicked off his 2014 campaign in sizzling style, scoring a stunning long-range try as the Reds beat the Brumbies in Canberra. Toua has backed up that season-opening effort to lead the Reds in run metres (415), while he is second for tackle busts (15), and third for linebreaks (2). His immediate Wallabies hopes have been slowed by a pectoral injury that will sideline him for 10 weeks, but Toua looms as a Test player for the future.

Other notable contenders

Sam Carter (Brumbies, lock): The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Brumbies after cementing his position in a Wallabies-laden pack. Carter has been a powerhouse in defence for the Brumbies in 2014, making the second most tackles (78) by an Aussie — and fifth overall in the competition.

Luke Jones on the charge for the Rebels.

Luke Jones (Rebels, lock): The 23-year-old continues to make great strides at the Rebels. In 2014 he has made the most ball carries (41), most run metres by a forward (264), and second most lineout wins (11, including one steal) for his side. His Rebels teammate and fellow lock Hugh Pyle has also been talked up as a future Wallaby, but after announcing this week that he would head overseas at season’s end is probably off McKenzie’s radar.

Angus Cottrell (Force, blindside flanker): The grandson of a former Wallaby captain has impressed since being plucked from Brisbane club rugby. Cottrell’s strong workrate has seen him force the equal most penalties at the breakdown (two) by a Force player this season. He has also been a strong lineout option, making the third most wins (12) in the team.