'I'll keep pushing hard' - The unheralded Kiwi who could become Australia's World Cup bolter
He’s been integral to Melbourne’s charge to the top of the Australian Super Rugby ladder, but hooker Anaru Rangi doesn’t appear to be on the radar of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika
Despite the World Cup six just months away and the Wallabies No.2 role far from being settled, Rangi says he hasn't had any contact from Cheika this year so is seemingly out of the mix.
Try-scoring Brumbies hooker Folau Fainga'a appears the frontrunner along with veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Fellow Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese, who was in the Wallabies frame until suffering a knee injury mid last year, is still a month away from playing.
Ahead of their clash with the Sunwolves at AAMI Park on Saturday night Rangi said all he could do was keep performing in the hope of catching the eyes of selectors.
He hoped that his age - 30 - didn't count against him.
"It's still a huge carrot that I'm chasing," said the Kiwi-born rake, who qualifies for the Wallabies through residency.
"I hope it's form that matters most, and hard work, and as long as I keep doing that I reckon I still have a crack.
"It's still fairly early days so I'll keep pushing hard."
Rangi, who worked as a builder before making his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2016, won the Rebels' players' player last season.
He credited his rise to prominence to the stiff competition for a starting jersey at Melbourne, with fellow Kiwi Robbie Abel, Uelese and rising star Hugh Roach also pushing for a start.
"There's massive competition here every week, competing, scratching and clawing to get every minute you can on the weekend," Rangi said.
"When you're training at that kind of intensity, come the game it's almost just like another training run."
While he gave up midweek beers and changed his diet when he got serious about his rugby, Rangi said the Rebels were now at him to add some more bulk to his 117kg frame.
But he didn't want to if it would affect his work-rate, which has proved so valuable for the team.
"The conditioning team wouldn't mind if I put a bit of weight on but I like to be busy out there and the work-rate thing is a big thing for me," he said.
AAP
Watch - Aaron Mauger speaks ahead of Hurricanes clash:
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
Go to comments