The Wallabies youngster set to go 'beast-mode' against France
Skipper Michael Hooper got a taste of what Rob Valetini could bring to the Wallabies when he saw him in beast-mode at a training run three years ago.
And he's expecting him to finally deliver with the Brumbies big man named for his first test start in Australia's opening clash against France at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Valetini, who stands 193cm and weighs 113kg, will wear the No. 6 jersey with Hooper in his usual position at openside flanker and Harry Wilson anchoring the scrum.
With France loading up on forwards on the bench, signalling their intent to get physical, the Wallabies will need all the muscle they can muster.
Hooper said he'd been "super impressed" by 22-year-old Valetini, who has only played four tests since making his debut in late 2019 due to injury and inconsistent form.
The Melbourne product may have painted a target on his back by last week declaring his belief the Wallabies could be ranked world No. 1 by the end of the year.
"He had a breakout training session in Japan back in 2018 when he came on the spring tour when he just dominated," Hooper said of the 22-year-old on Tuesday.
"He put a few big shots on a couple of big characters, some other big bodies.
"He's a physically impressive rugby player, he has an ideal build for a back rower so it's all ahead of him.
"The confidence is now really visible in his rugby - he was consistently exceptional all year - so it's exciting for us."
Hooper said he'd also seen growth in Queenslander Wilson, who made his debut last year and went on to play six tests.
He said that the 22-year-old was now confident enough in his second year to give his captain "stick".
"Throughout the Trans-Tasman series, in particular, he was playing some really unique football and has an impact on both sides of the ball," Hooper said of Wilson.
"We've got a tight little back row combo."
Australia have won four of their last five tests against France, although they haven't played since 2016 when the Wallabies edged the home side 25-23.
Props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa are the only players remaining from that 23.
Hooper said they'd been able to do plenty of homework on their opponents despite a number of stars missing from the travelling party.
"The first part of this camp has been to focus on us and our days were super full at the start but we've been able to put a bit of time into the French," the 29-year-old said.
"We've focused on guys that have come out which does paint a bit of a different picture because when you do watch a Six Nations then you've got guys who aren't here.
"It's been a learning learning experience for all of us and I guess there's going to be a little bit of unknown."
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Everywhere you turn some irish journo is advocating Ireland as the greatest, reasoning that the wc is a 4 year cycle event so, they say wc doesn’t matter it’s the rugby in between that should account for the accolade. If there was no wc then some substance could be gained, however in my opinion the moment that defined Ireland’s fate against the abs was 37 phases of repeated head bashing against a brick wall. If a change in strategy or a tinker with the game plan was executed then things could've been vastly different. And to point a finger the let down was in the hands of the number 10.
Go to commentsI have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.
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