The Players Who Could Benefit From The Scrapping Of Giteau Law

Dave Rennie's selection pool is set to increase significantly later this year with Rugby Australia set to scrap the Giteau Law and allow overseas-based players to be selected.

The law which was introduced ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup stated that a player required at least 60 Test caps and have a minimum of seven seasons of Super Rugby under their belt in order to be selected while being based abroad. 

South Africa had similar regulations in place after the 2015 Rugby World Cup which were scrapped once Rassie Erasmus took charge of the side. The move will significantly increase Dave Rennie's player selection pool with a number of Australian players plying their trade abroad. 

Samu Kerevi has already linked up with the Wallabies squad despite not meeting the requirements and Rennie could further strengthen his squad in key positions. 

The second row

Five second rowers were included in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad in 2019 with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto covering blindside flank too.  Since the tournament in Japan, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda and Rob Simmons all left Australia to sign contracts abroad. While Rodda will return to Australia next year, the Wallabies locking depth was significantly weakened after the tournament. 

Matt Phillip plugged that gap well in 2020 along with Salakaia-Loto and while there are some promising youngsters coming through the ranks with the likes of Darcy Swain and Nick Frost, Dave Rennie could strengthen his engine room with an overseas-based player or two.

Rory Arnold was a standout for the Wallabies two years ago and has continued to shine since winning a European double with Toulouse last season. Will Skelton has grown significantly as a player since leaving the Waratahs joining Saracens and now La Rochelle. A physical specimen, Skelton has improved his overall skills and workrate in Europe and could dominate the test arena if given the chance. 

Adam Coleman was a favoured option for Michael Cheika but has struggled with injuries in England while Rob Simmonds has been a regular starter for London Irish but at 32, Rennie may look at the younger options. The same can be said of Kane Douglas, who has been excellent for Bordeaux. 

Racing 92's Luke Jones could also add some physicality and energy to the squad with his ability to play on the side of the scrum an added bonus. 

The Back Row

Michael Hooper seems to be the only player who has cemented his position in the starting back row for the Australians. Dave Rennie could increase the competition in his back row with some excellent options based abroad. 

Sean McMahon was outstanding for the Wallabies after the 2015 Rugby World Cup before heading to Japan in 2017. McMahon is a physically gifted and skilful no.8 who simply slots in on the blindside of the scrum too. At 27, he has plenty of rugby left in him and could make waves at test rugby once again.

15 test cap flanker Liam Gill looked to make his return to Australia earlier this year with a deal falling through before he headed to Japan. Gill is a classic example of being in the right place at the wrong time. He broke through the ranks in Australia at the same time as Michael Hooper with George Smith and David Pocock in the squad too. At 29, Rennie may look to improve his depth with Gill who can also provide steady competition for Hooper.

In the backs

As mentioned before, Samu Kerevi has already linked up with the Wallabies squad and is an obvious benefactor of the law being scrapped going forward.

Kurtley Beale, 32, meets the requirements of the Giteau Law to still be selected but Dave Rennie has been reluctant to include players abroad in his squad. The scrapping of the law may see Rennie become a bit more open to his options abroad and Beale experience paired with his versatility would be a massive boost for the young squad.

There are a number of other options in France too with capped wingers Sefa Naivalu (Stade Francais) and Henry Speight (Biarritz) both featuring in the Top 14 this coming season.

In England, Luke Morahan has been brilliant for the Bristol Bears and could feature in all three outside back positions. The 31-year-old could still offer plenty to the Wallabies set up if Rennie wants to add more experience to his outside backs. Curtis Rona has shone in the Premiership with London Irish featuring on the wing and at outside centre. Rennie could add a massive ball carrier onto his wing with Taqele Naiyaravoro.

In Japan, the likes of Isaac Lucas, Joe Tomane and Jack Debreczeni could also add value.