It's been almost the perfect road to the one-year countdown mark to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 for Les Kiss and the Wallabies, with Australis riding a six-game unbeaten run -- five under the new coach -- with the latest an unlikely victory over the Springboks in Perth.
But the road to Optus Stadium and the opening World Cup match against Hong Kong China is a long one, with the Wallabies to play 14 Tests from October 2026 through to kick-off in Perth, including five against trans-Tasman rivals and Pool A opponents, the All Blacks.
It gives Kiss enough time to get a feel for the international game and experiment with his combinations before he locks in his 33-man World Cup squad and his first lineup of the tournament. But there's a fine balance between building depth and building chemistry and Kiss can't risk spending too much time on experimentation.
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Meanwhile, it's a much different feeling inside the Wallabies camp one year out than it was four years ago when then-Australia coach Dave Rennie -- now All Blacks coach -- was infamously booted from his role nine months out from the tournament, before Eddie Jones -- now Japan coach -- was ushered in. It would result in Australia's worst-ever showing at the global showpiece, losing to both Wales and Fiji, and failing to reach the knockouts for the first time.
The transition between coaches this time around has been much smoother, though, with Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss working closely before Kiss' elevation into the role in July. That's not to say there haven't been some changes to the look and feel of this Wallabies group with Kiss new-look attacking structure so far reaping rewards.
But the clock is ticking and with a slew of players to return from long-term injuries -- and more expected to be unfairly struck by the injury gods over the next 12 months -- the return of former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase to the code, and the arrival of NRL star Angus Critchon, the look and feel of Kiss World Cup squad remains unknown.
With so much rugby yet to play out, this is ESPN's attempt at predicting how the Wallabies will line up.
Loosehead prop
Starter: Angus Bell
Next in line: James Slipper, Aiden Ross, Isaac Kailea, Blake Schoupp, Tom Robertson
In the squad: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Aiden Ross
In the 23: It will surprise absolutely no one to see Angus Bell run out in the starting prop position at next year's World Cup. The 25-year-old is one of the world's best scrummagers and ball-carriers, routinely holding his own against some the world's best from South Africa, France, and New Zealand, while also regularly bending and breaking the defensive line with his damaging ball carries. His ability to change direction late and bust through weak shoulders is world class. From the bench James Slipper provides experience and power. The 37-year-old will be one of the oldest players at the World Cup, but it by no means takes away from his strengths at set piece, while his ability to play both sides of the scrum make him invaluable at a World Cup.
Rising: The injury to Brumbies' Blake Schoupp has opened the door for several rising looseheads to make their mark with the one-Test All Black Aidan Ross getting the most of the opportunity. Exposed late against the Springboks, it's clear Ross still has plenty to learn and must do so quickly, but with minutes against Japan and Argentina he's had a taste of international rugby. How he performs in potential Tests against the All Blacks, England, Scotland, and Wales could seal his role.
Talking point: One of the oldest players in world rugby, James Slipper remains one of the best, but Father Time holds no prisoners and remaining fit and healthy through the 12-month buildup to next year's tournament -- including a Super Rugby Pacific season, potentially five Tests to finish 2026 and eight ahead of Perth's opener -- will be the Brumbies star's top priority. Already sitting out the first five Tests under Les Kiss, there's potential the prop won't wear the Wallaby gold again in 2026 and if he chooses to actually retire from the international game before the tournament it leaves a more than 100-Test size hole to fill.
Hooker
Starter: Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Next in line: Josh Nasser, Billy Pollard, Matt Faessler, Lachlan Lonergan, Ethan Dobbins
In the squad: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Josh Nasser, Billy Pollard
In the 23: Easily Australia's best hooker in 2026, Brandon Paenga-Amosa has hardly faltered since coming off the bench in the opening minutes in the Wallabies' loss to France in the Nations Championship. His work at the lineout is pristine, turning it into one of the Wallabies' greatest weapons alongside his world class work at the scrum; meanwhile his tackle stats are daunting. His three-year stint in Montpellier before returning to the Western Force in 2025 elevating him to one of the world's best.
Rising: Starting against Ireland to open the year, Nasser made the most of his moment, turning the lineout into a real weapon alongside his locks. A head knock in the opening minutes against France opened the door for BPA to take the starting role, but Nasser has made sure to take his opportunities when he can since. Upcoming Tests against the All Blacks will give a clear idea where he stands.
Talking point: Is it just a race for second at this point? BPA has surely ensconced himself in the starting role and, apart from injury, isn't looking likely to relinquish his spot. Nasser and Pollard have both made strong performances either while starting or off the bench and have been accurate at the lineout, with Nasser hitting five-from-five against Japan just a month ago, while Pollard was just as good against Argentina. It will be a hard-run race to the bench.
Tighthead prop
Starter: Allan Alaalatoa
Next in line: Taniela Tupou, Zane Nonggorr, Massimo De Lutiis, Henry Robertson
In the squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Zane Nonggorr
In the 23: Solid and dependable, Allan Alaalatoa has earned his place as the Wallabies' starting tighthead, consistently holding his own against the world's best and creating a formidable front-row combination with Bell and Paenga-Amosa. He may not be as 'flashy' as his fellow tighthead, but he's reliable and gets the job done. Tupou, meanwhile, brings something special from the bench. His scrummaging has improved immensely over the years and his game is only getting stronger with his time in the Top 14 at Racing 92. He hits the line hard, and has a nice turn of pace for a 140kg prop. The answer to the Springboks' Ox Nche?
Rising: Earmarked as a future Test star long before even making his first Wallabies squad, Massimo De Lutiis became Wallaby 1000 when he came off the bench against Japan and scored a try on debut. At just 22-years-old and with only three caps to his name the future is bright for the Queensland Reds tighthead, but he still has much to learn on the international stage. A man-mountain, De Lutiis replicates Tupou in his size and strength -- he's famous for his gym exploits -- and now has 12 months to prove his abilities on the pitch.
Talking point: Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou have all but locked in their place at next year's World Cup, but who Kiss turns to to bolster the ranks is still up for debate. While De Lutiis brings size and power to the role, he is still only young and has just three caps to his name. Meanwhile, Zane Nonggorr, with 20 caps to his name, has the experience of the doomed 2023 World Cup campaign, and was a preferred option for Joe Schmidt in 2025, but has had an injury interrupted 2026. The final five Tests of 2026 will give a strong indication of where Les is leaning in 2027: youth and firepower? Or experience and consistency?
Locks
Starters: Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams
Next in line: Miles Amatosero, Lukhan-Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Matt Philip
In the squad: Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton
In the 23: They've elevated the Wallabies lineout from weak link to real weapon, with Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams combining to produce a potent attacking threat. Canham has been outstanding in his appearances in the gold jersey in 2026, including a hat trick against Italy, while Williams has become a pest in the air, pinching opposition lineouts at will. Add Lukhan Salakaia-Loto off the bench and the Wallabies have a towering and menacing locking contingent.
Rising: Making his first Test start against Ireland, Canham has hardly looked back, cementing his place in the starting lineup through his lineout abilities and presence across the pitch. Unavailable for the Springboks Test, he'll have his chance to make an impact in the upcoming Bledisloe series, if he can overcome a hamstring injury.
Talking point: While Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams have solidified their places as the Wallabies best locks, Will Skelton brings a size and mongrel to the game the starting duo lack and the Wallabies could use. His time in France has been a double-edged sword for the Wallabies. His strength and skills have only grown in his time with in the Top 14, but it has cost him availability, and now recovering from an Achilles injury, he'll be racing the clock to return to form. With the duo of Canham and Williams turning the lineout into a real weapon, plus Salakaia-Loto's aggression, Skelton could be hard pressed to make his way back into the starting lineup.
Openside flanker
Starter: Fraser McReight
Next in line: Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Kane Koteka
In the squad: Fraser McReight, Nick Champion de Crespigny
In the 23: There's no doubt as to who's the form openside flanker in Australia, with Fraser McReight owning the position since Michael Hooper's retirement in 2023. He's featured in every Test of 2026 either starting or from the bench, and has all but guaranteed his place in next year's World Cup squad.
Rising: Stationed behind McReight, Tizzano has made the most of the few opportunities he's been given in 2026. Strong over the ball, and versatile across the park, he provides a solid replacement to McReight. It will take plenty to dislodge the heir apparent from his position, though.
Talking point: The role of an out-and-out No.7 has changed drastically over the years. Only 10 years ago Australia was applauding the innovation of 'Pooper' both Michael Hooper and David Pocock playing across the back-row at the same time, but times have changed and despite the discussion of a 'McZanno' combination, it's unlikely it will ever come to fruition with the way the game is played, and the ability for players to play multiple positions across the back-row. Given McReight's stranglehold on the No.7 jersey, it's likely Champion de Crespigny's ability to play from No. 6 through to No. 8 will elevate him above the out-and-out fetcher that is Tizzano.
Blindside flanker & No.8
Starters: Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini.
Next in line: Tom Hooper, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Langi Gleeson, Pete Samu, Charlie Cale, Joe Brial, Toby Macpherson
In the squad: Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper
In the 23: Harry Wilson, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper
Rising: Making his debut against the Springboks at just 22-years-old and at openside flanker Tom Hooper was practically fed to the wolves. Fast forward three years and 23 caps later and the 25-year-old is a much different beast. Standing almost two metres tall with the ability to play across the back-row and the second-row, Hooper brings a huge engine and massive frame, is menacing in defence and is deft in the lineout. Despite a short-term injury early in the international season his appearances for the Wallabies have been widely praised.
Talking point: If there's any position in the Wallabies squad that has never struggled for depth, it's across the back-row. Australia has always been rich in loosies -- particularly openside -- but with the squad likely restricted to just three out-and-out blindside flanker/No. 8s several quality players are set to miss out, while the make and feel of the starting back-row is one major headache for Kiss. While the new coach has thrown his support behind captain Harry Wilson, there's no questioning starting the 26-year-old means pushing Rob Valetini out of his preferred No. 8 role and losing some of his best attributes. Meanwhile, it also pushes Tom Hooper to the bench. The combination of Hooper-McReight-Valetini against the Pumas in Jujuy in August demonstrated how lethal the combination can be, but Wilson has also proven himself an inspirational leader for the group, even working his way onto World Rugby's Dream Team in 2025. Does Kiss stick with his captain? Or does he trust in 25-year-old to rise to the World Cup challenge?
Halfback
Starter: Ryan Lonergan,
Next in line: Tate McDermott, Jake Gordon, Kalani Thomas, Teddy Wilson, Henry Robertson
In the squad: Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Jake Gordon
In the 23: Ryan Lonergan has been one of the standout performers for the Wallabies in 2026. He provides a fast and direct pass off the deck, while his kicking game is astute, adding another dimension to the backline. Not to mention his accuracy off the tee, which was sorely needed when combining with Carter Gordon. Meanwhile, Tate McDermott provides a solid option off the bench. While he's struggled to find the same form pre-hamstring injury, McDermott's running game remains elite and he has the rest of the year to prove himself during Jake Gordon's injury layoff.
Rising: After struggling to even find a place in the Wallabies 23 through 2025, Ryan Lonergan has made the No. 9 jersey his own through 2026, starting in every Test for the Wallabies so far this year. The quality of attack has been light and day with him on the pitch vs. off.
Talking point: Much has been made of Australia's lock stocks over the last five years, so too the depth of the Wallabies' playmakers with the never-ending merry-go-round at No.10, but is halfback the real vulnerability in the Wallabies' lineup? While Ryan Lonergan has proven himself as the form No. 9 for Australia, the gap between the 28-year-old and the rest has only grown over the year with Tate McDermott battling to return to the same form that saw him as Australia's impact player off the bench through 2025 after he completely tore his hamstring from the bone. Jake Gordon presents an experienced option, but he'll need to prove himself in 2027 in his return from an Achilles injury, while Kalani Thomas remains green to international rugby.
Fly-half
Starter: Carter Gordon
Next in line: Ben Donaldson, Declan Meredith, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh, Tane Edmed, Noah Lolesio, James O'Connor, Bernard Foley
In the squad: Carter Gordon, Ben Donaldson [utility], Tom Lynagh
In the 23: Despite dealing with multiple injuries so far in 2026, Carter Gordon has done enough to solidify his place as the Wallabies starting fly-half. While he lacks accuracy with the kicking tee, his overall game is solid. He has an accurate passing game, alongside a superb left-to-right pass, and astute vision with ball in hand. Add his turn of speed and he provides Australia a solid playmaker. Staying healthy will be key.
Rising: In the absence of Gordon, Ben Donaldson has been given plenty of opportunities to prove his mettle. Shaky at times, he has all the skills to snatch the starting role, putting them altogether will be the 27-year-old's next step. The absence of Gordon for the upcoming Bledisloe Tests and potentially then England, too, will be imperative in his steps to claiming the No. 10 jersey.
Talking point: Australia's inability to maintain a consistent starting fly-half has been a curse upon the Wallabies for several years now. Gordon has struggled to stay healthy since his return from the NRL in 2025, when he sat out most of the season as well, while Tom Lynagh has had an unfortunate string of concussions and injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of 2026. Meanwhile, Declan Meredith's rise to the starting role against France, Italy and Argentina have shown he still has much to learn, and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips' lack of experience leaves him vulnerable. It leaves the door wide open for experienced campaigners Noah Lolesio, James O'Connor and Bernard Foley.
Centres
Starters: Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami
Next in line: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii [utility], Isaac Henry, Angus Crichton, Jordan Petaia [utility], Josh Flook (achilles injury), Kadin Pritchard
In the squad: Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Angus Crichton
In the 23: Last year's John Eales Medallist, Len Ikitau could easily lay claim to the title again in 2026 despite missing matches through injury. Given his first opportunity to play his preferred outside centre position in over a year against the Springboks, Ikitau made the most of the chance and reminded Kiss how impressive he is when shuffled just one position over. Two tries and second overall for total running metres in the win, the 27-year-old is a certain walk on. Meanwhile, Hunter Paisami has done enough with his few opportunities in 2026, while his combination with Ikitau against the Springboks was the standout of the pairs used this year.
Rising: Paisami has made the most of his minutes so far this year, and particularly against the Springboks, combining well with Ikitau, after struggling to earn a spot behind Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. His hard ball carrying often dents the line, while his ability to draw in defenders before offloading late opens the door for his teammates. A yellow card and potential multi-week suspension could hinder the growing combination and see Suaalii slot back into the centres, though. There is also the fact that Paisami will be playing his rugby in Japan next year.
Talking point: The Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii centre experiment has been ongoing since his debut in the gold jersey two years ago. While he was phenomenal against England in the drought-breaking win in 2024, the young gun has failed to nail down his role at inside centre and after his dominant performance on the wing against the Springboks questions of whether he should remain in the centres are only growing louder. Meanwhile, another NRL code-hopper is set to make his move to rugby next year with Angus Crichton joining the Waratahs. A rugby pedigree through high school, the NRL has experience in the game, but that was 12 years ago and never in the professional arena. Given the depth across the position, it wouldn't be surprising if he missed out.
Wing
Starters: Max Jorgensen [utility], Mark Nawaqanitawase
Next in line: Dylan Pietsch, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii [utility], Harry Potter, Jordan Petaia [utility], Corey Toole, Filipo Daugunu, Zac Lomax, Treyvon Pritchard
In the squad: Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch
In the 23: Max Jorgensen is an immediate walk on given his aerial game and nose for the try-line. Relatively quiet for his standards to start 2026, the move from left wing to the right against the Springboks saw the young star come alive, dominating the aerial battle, while he put on the after burners to score a runaway try in the second. Meanwhile, Mark Nawaqanitawase walked away from the game as one of the best and has only enhances his reputation in the NRL. Given his ability to play across multiple positions in the backline, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii provides plenty of options off the bench, whether that be in centres or the wing.
Rising: It may have only been one game in the position, but slotting onto the left wing against the Springboks in Perth was perhaps the most comfortable Suaalii has looked on the pitch for the Wallabies since his debut in 2024. His first touch was astounding, leaping high into the air to win back the kick-off. His aerial dominance directly led to Ikitau's second try of the night, while he had more involvement and touches than he had in the centres earlier in the year. If given more time on the edge, he could easily compete for a starting role next year.
Talking point: Mark Nawaqanitawase or Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to start? Both are superstars, both are incredible athletes, but who gets the starting jersey? Nawaqanitawase has spent the last two years lighting up the NRL, scoring tries at will and breaking records, while Suaalii has spent much of his time trying to fit in at inside centre before recently moving to the wing and setting a high standard. By no means was the 23-year-old perfect, but already we've been given an insight of what he can achieve on the edge and if given more time could make the wing his own. It sets up even more welcome selection headaches for Kiss.
Fullback
Starter: Tom Wright
Next in line: Jock Campbell, Max Jorgensen [utility], Ben Donaldson [utility], Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii [utility], Jordan Petaia [utility]
In the squad: Tom Wright, Jock Campbell
In the 23: Although not he's not playing at the same standard he was producing before an ACL injury last year, Tom Wright remains Australia's most reliable fullback. With a booming kick, incredible pace and a nose for heads-up rugby, he brings an edge to the Wallabies' backline while his defence is also solid. Meanwhile, fullback remains Donaldson's best position given the extra time and space. Able to cover back three and fly-half, he's the perfect bench option.
Rising: Jock Campbell was a standout in his return to the Wallabies jersey against Ireland to start the international season, sending Dylan Pietsch over in the opening minutes before scoring himself 10 minutes later. He was slick with ball in hand and has a solid kicking game. Schmidt's decision to move him to playmaker off the bench a week later was mindboggling though, and Campbell hasn't been sighted in the gold jersey since.
Talking point: Despite his incredible return to the Wallabies to start the season, Jock Campbell has been hard done by to miss out on selection ever since. Perhaps his move to Japan's League One is counting against him? Still, there is certainly the potential for Campbell to earn a recall through the closing Tests of 2026, while Hunter Paisami's four-game ban will mean the Inverell-raised custodian will join the Wallabies' Bledisloe squad.