A raft of law tweaks should suit the all-out attack of the Australian sides while the hunt for a new Wallabies coach adds a new level of intrigue

The most important Wallabies winter in two decades kicks off this weekend when Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific sides play their first games of the 2025 season. With all four state provinces reinforced by key players from the disbanded Melbourne Rebels, hopes have never been higher for a first local champion in 11 years.

The trophy cabinet at Rugby Australia headquarters desperately needs new tenants. Although the Wallabies won back the Ella-Mobbs silverware with their season-high triumph over England in November, the Bledisloe Cup hasn’t been seen hereabouts since 2003 when the Rugby World Cup, resident for eight years of the 90s, also left.