Lalakai Foketi, the last remaining Australian in Super Rugby, is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Wallabies Test squad despite a recent standout performance. The 31-year-old former Waratahs midfielder impressed during the Chiefs’ 49-12 semi-final victory over the Crusaders, making two line breaks and assisting three first-half tries. This marked only his third start since returning to Super Rugby after leaving Australian rugby last year.

Foketi’s resurgence under Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes contrasts with his exclusion under current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt. After being told he could leave the Waratahs by coach Dan McKellar, Foketi secured a short-term deal with the Chiefs, filling the void left by All Blacks regular Anton Lienert-Brown. His impact helped the Chiefs advance to their fourth consecutive Super Rugby final, where they will visit Wellington to face the Hurricanes, who themselves secured a commanding 57-21 win over the Blues.

Despite his efforts, Foketi is not currently in contention for the Wallabies’ first Test of the year against Ireland on July 4 in Sydney. The selection landscape is complicated by injuries and overseas commitments. Len Ikitau, who plays for Exeter in the English Premiership, is unlikely to return in time due to his team’s impending final, and fellow Chiefs player Tom Hooper faces a similar challenge. Additionally, Racing 92’s Taniela Tupou recently played a role in his side’s Top 14 semi-final win, further clouding availability.

Injuries add to the uncertainty, with Hunter Paisami sidelined by an MCL issue. As a result, Schmidt may need to consider alternative options at inside centre, with candidates including Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, David Feauai, Josh Flook, and potentially Izaia Perese should he rejoin Australian rugby after his stint with Leicester.

While Wallabies coaches Schmidt and incoming assistant Les Kiss weigh their options, the All Blacks will benefit from a wealth of talent under new coach Dave Rennie. Rennie, who previously coached the Wallabies, returns to international duty with a deep midfield pool, including players like Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett, both of whom may start in a formidable All Blacks centre combination. Additional options such as Timoci Tavatenawaid and David Havili provide further depth.

At fly-half, uncertainty surrounds Beauden Barrett’s role despite his decorated career, with emerging players Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie challenging for starting positions. Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds are set to appoint New Zealander Craig McGrath as their new defence coach following the Blues' recent exit from Super Rugby. McGrath will join the Reds’ coaching staff alongside Vern Cotter, Zane Hilton, and Peter Hewat.

In player movements, one-Test Wallaby Darby Lancaster is preparing to join the Blues, adding to the flow of Australian talent moving to New Zealand and raising questions about Rugby Australia’s eligibility policies regarding players based overseas.