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The desire to take on the British and Irish Lions has already whetted the appetite of many, with Wallabies great Will Genia putting up his hand to play against the famous touring side in Adelaide on July 12.
Genia, who played 110 Tests and is still playing in Japan, also called for his long-time halves teammate Quade Cooper to be given the send-off he deserves in front of Australian fans after being controversially looked past for the Lions series 12 years ago.
But just who joins Foster remains to be seen, with Rugby Australia intent on ironing out the coaching team before going through their wish list.
“Until today it’s been pretty quiet,” Foster said on Thursday. “So I guess now that this is out, we’ll start to get a bit of interest.”
Foster did, however, confirm that there’s likely to be a strong emphasis on the next generation of Wallabies.
“I had initial talks to [Wallabies coach] Joe [Schmidt] and, in this case, whatever they want, we’ll do,” he said.
“You’ve got a whole Super Rugby campaign to go, so there’ll be potential injuries, potential changes to squads, all sorts of stuff.
“But I imagine that when Joe picks the Wallabies squad that they’ll keep that squad together, because they’ll have a lot of work to do, they’ve got three Tests to get ready for, three big ones in a row.
“I’m anticipating this is more guys on the fringe of their wider squad. And in some ways, I reckon that’s a really exciting thing to do because it opens the door, maybe to some younger players, gives them a big occasion.
“It also gives the Wallabies good options if they have injuries during the three-Test campaign to bring people in. And they already know the state of the competition and the opposition. So, I’m anticipating that type of player.”
Ian Foster will play a role in selecting the AUNZ side ahead of the Wallabies’ three-match Test series against the Lions. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
It’s expected that fringe Wallabies like Ryan Lonergan, Corey Toole and Charlie Cale, who could be called upon during the Lions series but aren’t necessarily considered front-liners, are likely the type of player Foster will have at his disposal.
Foster will also be tasked with conjuring up interest from his compatriots, with the bulk of the New Zealand contingent of players to come from those currently playing in Japan.
While Foster revealed that Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga were key targets, several former Wallabies plying their trade overseas are also hopeful of taking part in the series.
Indeed, 12 years after being the halves combination in their 2-1 series loss, Genia and O’Connor are hoping to rewind the clock and get another crack at their old foes.
While O’Connor told The Roar he hopes to feature in the official series, believing his move to the Crusaders can pay dividends, Genia, who is in the twilight of his career, is still playing alongside Quade Cooper with Kintetsu in Japan.
The veteran halfback believes the match would be the perfect opportunity to not just send-off his long-time halves teammate, but also give the maligned fly-half the chance to take on the Lions 12 years after controversially being looked past in the No.10 jersey by Robbie Deans.
“I just think it (selection) has to be a good balance between using it as an opportunity for the next tier, while also creating some genuine interest and storylines around it,” Genia told The Roar.
“It’s entertainment and someone like Quade would be unreal.
“It could serve as a send-off for him from Australian rugby and the man can also still play and contribute.
“People still want to watch him play.
“People would come to see Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell play.
“It can also serve as an opportunity to see guys who were fierce rivals for years at that level combine and see how they go. That’s the most intriguing part. I’d love to share a dressing room with an Aaron Smith or Richie Mo’unga.”
Will Genia in action against the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Cooper hasn’t played for the Wallabies since he was brutally left out of Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad in 2023.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old has played 80 Tests since debuting alongside O’Connor against Italy in 2008.
Genia, 37, played his final Test for the Wallabies in their 2019 World Cup quarter-final loss in Japan.
Fellow veteran Kurtley Beale, who is contracted with the Force and was a part of Joe Schmidt’s wider Wallabies squad before rupturing his Achilles playing for Randwick on the eve of the July Tests, is another hoping to be back in time to play for the Force in late June.
Quade Cooper in full flight against the British & Irish Lions for Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on June 8, 2013. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
The 36-year-old infamously slipped over attempting a match-winning penalty attempt against the Lions in the opening Test in 2013, before playing a key role in the final two Tests.
The 95-Test Wallaby said the prospect of playing for the Force, and likely the Pasifika XV in Melbourne on July 22, represented a “huge motivation” in his injury comeback.
The sight of seeing the veteran Wallabies would likely be a television ratings hit, with the quartet still some of the biggest names in Australian rugby.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.