He has played 33 minutes of Test rugby. But he could solve a looming Wallabies problem

Max Jorgensen or Andrew Kellaway in the No.14 jersey, and Hamish Stewart v David Feliuai at No.12, appear to be the most pressing decisions for Joe Schmidt, with hooker the other spot that is looking highly contestable after Brandon Paenga-Amosa’s return to the squad.

The selection on the right wing is particularly relevant because talented Pumas flyer Mateo Carreras looms large as a threat to the Wallabies, providing he has recovered from the heavy knock he took against the All Blacks in late minutes of the second Test at Eden Park.

Carreras turned Damian McKenzie inside out on the way to the try line during the 38-30 win in Wellington, and is probably their greatest individual threat.

He would ask plenty of defensive questions of Jorgensen, yet the sight of Aphelele Fassi leaving Kellaway in his wake in Perth suggests the Wallabies do have the need for speed. But injuries aside, the Wallabies’ top team might be slowly starting to emerge.

Possible Wallabies starting XV: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Hamish Stewart, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell.

Max Jorgensen in open space in his Test debut against the Springboks in Perth.Credit: Getty Images

2. The captaincy call

If Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell start in La Plata next weekend, the Wallabies might be in the odd position of having to call upon their fourth captain in six Tests. Hopes that the captaincy merry-go-round seen under Eddie Jones had become a thing of the past have been dashed as leading contenders have been cut down with injury, with Liam Wright, James Slipper and Allan Ala’alatoa all having shared the honour this year.

Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon - another captaincy option?Credit: Getty Images

The obvious choice from the possible team named above would be Jake Gordon, who has plenty of experience in the role at the Waratahs. My vote has always been for Fraser McReight, but until he and Liam Wright return we’re probably none the wiser as to who Schmidt is prepared to back longer-term.

3. France v the World

The rebooted Pacific Nations Cup featuring Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, the USA and Canada kicked off on Friday with a 42-16 win for Fiji against Samoa in Suva, but the Pacific Island squads look a little light on star power. Notably, there are a number of France-based Fijians who appear to be unavailable, such as captain Waisea Nayacalevu.

There are clear echoes here of the Will Skelton situation with the Wallabies, and a reminder that the French clubs pose a particular challenge in terms of player availability. This might be something for Brett Robinson to grasp if, as expected, he runs for the chair of World Rugby, which has thrown some marketing dollars at the Pacific Nations Cup.

The upshot is that Eddie Jones has a gilt-edged opportunity to win something with Japan, with the Brave Blossoms set to get their own campaign under way on Sunday against Canada.

4. ‘Less structure’: Why Australians are loving the NPC.

Brumbies winger Ben O’Donnell has made quite the splash in New Zealand, scoring two spectacular tries for Hawke’s Bay on Friday night as they continued their 100 per cent start to the season under Australian coach Brock James.

Afterwards, a beaming O’Donnell gave an insight into why he appears to be having so much fun. “Less structure” was his observation when asked of the difference between Australia and New Zealand.

This masthead also understands that Tane Edmed – or “Tah-neh” as the Kiwis have christened him, using the Maori pronunciation of his name – has been pleasantly surprised at how player-driven the game plans are at North Harbour. Edmed is currently 0-2 after Harbour lost to two of the best sides in the competition, but the change of scenery has already shown him a different way of how teams can be run.

5. Don’t hold your breath for a “third tier”

Iain Payten’s excellent piece on the Shute Shield on Friday highlighted the themes that are so important at that level: a bit of jealousy, a bit of suspicion and a whole lot of tribalism.

Easts winger Darby Lancaster celebrates his match-winning try.Credit: Karen Watson/Sydney Rugby Union

The Waratahs-heavy Easts downed Warringah in dramatic circumstances in the semi-finals, with a last-minute try to Wallabies wing Darby Lancaster, and will meet Norths in the grand final at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

And while the fact Easts are now apparently destined to win the comp might enrage the other clubs, it’s bloody good theatre.

It also shows why Rugby Australia might be reluctant to revive any “third tier” competition after two previous attempts. There is also another compelling reason: money.

While it may appear the grass is greener across the ditch, NZR would actually like to strip out costs from the NPC, in anticipation of a future broadcast deal that may well be a reduction once the effects of inflation are taken into account.