The reasons for taking a similar approach with Jorgensen – and yes, I am putting him in that Jordan category – are fourfold.
First, the fullback role opens up both sides of the field for him, and we already know he can beat defenders off either foot.
Second, he’s a tough defender.
Third, he’s arguably the best Wallabies player under the high ball.
Fourth, he isn’t getting enough touches on the right wing.
That last point sounds absurd, but only because we’ve been tricked into thinking otherwise by Jorgensen. The youngster is making such an impact that it feels like there’s nothing to gain from changing anything.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has been doing special things for the Roosters.Credit: Getty Images
However, consider this: of the 46 players in Cape Town last weekend, Jorgensen ranked 31st in touches per minute. He’s having a disproportionately large effect on Tests because he’s winning so many big moments – not because the No.14 jersey is where the ball is going.
At fullback, he’d automatically be in the top five for involvements, and at some point Australian selectors will want to give their best remaining attacking weapon more opportunities to influence the game.
The injured Tom Wright benefited from the same theory. It took time for him to grow into one of the world’s best fullbacks, but credit must go to the Brumbies and then the Wallabies.
They recognised his attacking threat and were prepared to live with a few growing pains, because there was nowhere else in the back line that afforded him the same number of chances to use his skill set.
Andrew Kellaway’s best football for the Wallabies has come in the No.14 jersey.Credit: Getty Images
In that sense, Jorgensen – not Andrew Kellaway – is actually the logical replacement for Wright because the Wallabies would be replacing their best attacking player with their next-best attacking player.
Besides, Kellaway’s best footy for the Wallabies has come in the No.14 jersey, where he has predominantly been used. He can still impart all of his experience and knowledge from that position.
Perhaps the Wallabies should split the Argentina Tests between Jorgensen and Kellaway, but the former’s move to fullback will happen sooner or later – and Australia must be thinking likewise for next year.
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The fact this debate is happening at all reflects a quiet success story in the Wallabies’ year so far: they’re building depth. They’ve lost Wright and Dylan Pietsch from the back three but still have options, with Corey Toole’s brilliant debut and Harry Potter’s return from injury providing a four-into-three debate for the selectors.
Up front, lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will be coming in off the long run as a potential replacement for Will Skelton, while Tom Hooper will be considered unlucky if he misses out on the starting XV to accommodate the return of Harry Wilson.
The signs are encouraging – but Jorgensen is the player who can make the most of Wright’s cruel luck.