McReight injury presents Wallabies with 'what if' scenario ahead of Lions tour

The Queensland Reds defeated the New South Wales Waratahs 35-15 in Brisbane, ending the latter's undefeated run and currently placing them third on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder. The Brumbies closely follow after defeating the Fijian Drua 38-21 in Canberra. The Western Force, however, suffered a 33-55 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

As players continue to vie for spots in Joe Schmidt's Australia squad to face the British and Irish Lions, here are some talking points from round five of Super Rugby Pacific. Concerns about squad depth were sparked by Fraser McReight's shoulder injury, but it currently appears not to be serious, providing relief for Australian fans. This depth will be crucial for Australia's success in the upcoming series.

McReight was forced to the sidelines in a sling after suffering an AC joint injury while scoring in the second half of the Reds' match against the Waratahs. He was already scheduled to rest for the Reds' next match against the Highlanders in Dunedin, but it is now uncertain whether he will be fit to return for their clash against the Western Force in Brisbane next weekend. How would Schmidt fill the void at openside flanker if McReight's injury ultimately proves to be a long-term one?

McReight is one of the few Australian internationals who can be considered among the best in the world in his position. He is outstanding defensively at the breakdown and a valuable link man in attack. Carlo Tizzano has been in excellent form for the Western Force this season and is the closest like-for-like replacement to McReight. The Brumbies' Rory Scott and Luke Reimer are also capable deputies. Scott has started at No. 7 in the past two matches, while Reimer has been making an impact off the bench, potentially offering Schmidt insights into structuring the matchday squad.

The Waratahs' Charlie Gamble is another openside flanker who has been impressing in Super Rugby Pacific. Christchurch-born Gamble fits the mold of the traditional Australian "fetcher," energetically competing for ball at the ruck. Despite the Waratahs' loss, Gamble stood out in the match against the Reds, and his "never-say-die" attitude should not be overlooked. The Reds earned bragging rights and retained the Bob Templeton Cup with their convincing win over the Waratahs.

The Queensland Reds versus New South Wales Waratahs match is no longer the virtual trial it once was for Australian national team selection, as the Australian rugby landscape has expanded in the professional era. But Saturday night's game gave some Reds players considered fringe candidates for the Australia matchday squad a chance to showcase their abilities against domestic rivals. Blindside flanker Seru Uru and lock Josh Canham performed well, as did outside center Filipo Daugunu, although his best chance of national selection would be on the wing. Of the Reds' established internationals, Harry Wilson and Tate McDermott did nothing to harm, nor greatly enhance, their reputations.

If fit, Len Ikitau should be one of the first players picked in the Australia squad for the first Lions Test in July. His hat-trick against the Drua on Friday night showcased some of his key strengths, such as his physicality and instinctive attacking ability. Ikitau knows when to carry himself and is destructive in close quarters, with Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham describing his carries as "almost unstoppable." His support running is excellent, as demonstrated by his try in the second half. Defensively, Ikitau is a mainstay of the Brumbies' backline, and it was no surprise that Larkham further lauded the 39-Test veteran after the match.

Larkham's reference to "outside center" is interesting, perhaps suggesting that Larkham believes Ikitau should be selected by Australia in his preferred position. Ikitau was stationed at inside center for all four matches on last year's Autumn Nations Series to accommodate the selection of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at No. 13. With Suaalii (toe injury) running out of time to push for an Australia backline spot, Ikitau may once again feature at inside center against the Lions. Noah Lolesio returned for the Brumbies against the Drua after missing three matches due to concussion.

As expected, Lolesio was a little rusty at fly-half after a month-long absence, but he still showed glimpses of his ability to guide the Brumbies' attack. He re-enters the conversation for the Australia No. 10 jersey, a role he filled in 11 of his 13 Tests last year. The Western Force's Ben Donaldson has been the best-performing Australian fly-half this season, and Tom Lynagh continues to show promise for the Reds, but neither has been knocking on the door for Australia selection. Another highly regarded contender, Tane Edmed, has been relegated to the bench behind the Waratahs' Lawson Creighton after two underwhelming starts against the Highlanders and Drua. Lolesio's Test form has been inconsistent since his debut in 2020, but Schmidt clearly values his game management abilities, even if a fair portion of Australia fans do not.

There is a long way to go in the Super Rugby Pacific season, giving Lolesio opportunities to turn some doubters into believers. Do not forget about James O'Connor across the ditch. A return to the Australia squad remains a long shot for James O'Connor, but his performance off the bench for the Crusaders against the Western Force showed the value of his experience. O'Connor replaced Taha Kemara at fly-half in the 50th minute with the Crusaders leading 27-21 but yet to fully put away the Force. He made an early impact with a clever "show and go" second receiver play before delivering a pinpoint pass to Will Jordan in the lead-up to one of Macca Springer's five tries.

Retired All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall highlighted the change he brought to the Crusaders' attack. "He (O'Connor) got closer to the line, flatter, than Taha Kemara was, which allowed him to engage defenders, so they couldn't push off him…if he's standing deep, they can," Marshall said in commentary for Sky Network in New Zealand. "I just thought he certainly allowed them (the Crusaders) to attack differently when he was on the field, engaging defenders as the first receiver." This column has previously suggested that it would be a significant call if Schmidt were to include O'Connor in his Lions squad. It is a long shot, but given his versatility to cover almost every backline position, the 34-year-old remains a back-up option for Australia. His vast Test experience and previous experience against the Lions would also be a guide for whoever starts at fly-half.