Less then a year out from the 2015 World Cup, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has already handed nine players a gold jersey for the first time this season.

Rory Arnold, Samu Kerevi, Dane Haylett-Petty, Nick Frisby, Adam Coleman, Alan Alaalatoa, Reece Hodge, Lopeti Timani and Tom Robertson have all made their debuts this season and a few other players are knocking on the door.

After facing the All Blacks in Auckland next week, the Wallabies begin their Spring Tour and play consecutive Tests against Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland and England.

Traditionally, a number of developmental players are taken on the tour but Cheika might struggle to find room in an expected 33-man squad.

But whether it’s this year or in the years to come, here are five in-form players we think would look great in a gold jersey.

Jake Gordon – NSW Waratahs/NSW Country

Besides Will Genia, Jake Gordon is arguably the form halfback in Australia at the moment and has been brilliant for the Eagles throughout the NRC. Gordon has scored seven tries in six matches and has sparked much of the Eagles attack. While Nick Frisby and Matt Lucas may sit ahead of Gordon in the pecking order, his NRC form is hard to ignore.

Jono Lance – Western Force/Perth Spirit

26-year old Perth flyhalf Jono Lance has been around the traps for quite some time now but has found career best form since crossing the Nullabor. The former Waratahs and Reds back was named player of the year in last year’s NRC and has been just as good in 2016, leading the Spirit to the playoffs. If Cheika is looking to build depth at flyhalf, Lance could be in line for a call up.

Damien Fitzpatrick – NSW Waratahs/Sydney Rays

Recently re-signed Waratahs hooker Damien Fitzpatrick has been brilliant for the Sydney Rays throughout the NRC, after returning from an injury riddled three-year stint in France. At 27, Fitzpatrick is more experienced than Tolu Latu and Andrew Ready and could soon replace UK bound Tatafu Polota-Nau as Australia’s second choice No.2.

Tom English – Melbourne Rebels/Melbourne Rising

With his Melbourne Rebels teammate Sefa Naivalu touring with the Wallabies, Tom English had a point to prove in this year’s NRC and statistics show that he has done just that. English has scored five tries for the Rising, leads the competition in clean breaks and offloads and is arguably the best finisher in the NRC.

Dave Horwitz – NSW Waratahs/NSW Country

Dave Horwitz has only played a handful of Super Rugby matches, but recent form has put him in pole position to wear Kurtley Beale’s vacant Waratahs No.12 jersey next year. Ironically, the man that may stand in his way is his NSW Country midfield partner Kyle Godwin. Both Horwitz and Godwin can play as either ball running or ball playing centres and will bring a combination of skills to the Wallabies No.12 jersey that we haven’t seen in some time.