Horan backs Shaw debut as Schmidt eyes Wallabies depth for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Lachlan Shaw is set to become Wallaby number 996 off the bench against world number three Ireland in Sydney on Saturday, with former Australia centre Tim Horan framing the 23-year-old’s selection as a deliberate long-term investment ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Shaw’s call-up follows a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign in which he made 14 appearances for the ACT Brumbies. He is one of four second-row specialists named in Australia’s 37-man squad for the July Nations Championship Tests, alongside fellow uncapped NSW Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero, Queensland Reds starter Josh Canham, and Western Force captain Jeremy Williams — the most experienced of the group with 25 Test caps.

“I think this is a look towards Rugby World Cup and beyond,” Horan said. “When you look at Miles Amatosero that’s in the squad, Lachie Shaw and Miles Amatosero, that’s potentially get 10 to 15 Test matches under your belt before you go into a Rugby World Cup. I think it’s a good call.”

Horan added that Shaw could force his way into the starting side in the coming weeks if he impresses on debut. “If he does really well he might get a chance to start the next couple of Test matches,” he said.

The pundit was careful to contextualise Schmidt’s selections against the opposition. He noted that the coach has rewarded Super Rugby Pacific form across the squad — pointing to Ryan Lonergan at scrum-half, Canham in the second row, and Josh Nasser at hooker — but suggested the team would look different were Australia facing the All Blacks instead of Ireland.

“If you’re playing the All Blacks on Saturday night, I think it’s a different team, but I think Joe Schmidt’s giving these players opportunities, rewarding them from Super Rugby form,” Horan said. “I think there will be some chopping and changing for the next Test match against France as well.”

Beyond the second row, fullback Jock Campbell’s inclusion is another notable storyline. The 31-year-old Queensland Reds back is set to end a wait of more than 1,300 days since his last Wallabies appearance — a start away to France during the Dave Rennie era — after a stellar domestic season. In the halves, Lonergan partners Carter Gordon in a new-look combination for the Nations Championship opener.