Lightning No.8 Naisarani scores in trial clash  against Chiefs

The Brumbies are ready to unleash 19-year-old Rob Valetini in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

The hulking teenager on Wednesday night edged closer to a Super Rugby debut after being picked in the ACT Brumbies’ starting side for the last pre-season trial against Waikato Chiefs where they went down 38-26.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar rolled out a full-strength side- barring David Pocock – and Valetini has emerged as a genuine round-one bolter.

The Fijian rookie back-rower is already 113 kilograms and 193 centimetres and is rated as one of the hardest hitters at Brumbies HQ.

He impressed so much in his first year that the Brumbies offered him a two-year contract extension despite not playing a game.

“I feel a bit more confident this year I think. Last year was just about getting used to it, hopefully I can put my hand up to get a starting spot or even just that first game,” Valetini told Canberra Times.

“I think I’ve got the confidence to back myself this year. Knowing I had two years to learn really helped me to pick things up last year and learn the professional system. A Super Rugby debut is my goal this year. That’s what I’m aiming for and then just game time.”

Valetini will form part of a new-look Brumbies back-row as McKellar tests new combinations before the Super Rugby season starts on February 24.

He will fill Scott Fardy’s role at blindside flanker, Western Force recruit Isi Naisarani will slot into the No. 8 position and Lachlan McCaffrey has a chance to stake his claim to do the openside flanker job.

McKellar says spots are still up for grabs for the opening round of the season.

NAISARANI IMPRESSES

New Brumbies No.8 Naisarani was in good form against Chiefs in the trial clash despite the loss.

The Brumbies fought back on the second spell but time was not on their side as they went down 38-26.

The Brumbies “finishers” of scrumhalf Matt Lucas showed some spark and Naisarani showing lightning speed when he finds some space. The Naitasiri native picked up a loose ball near halfway and dashed clear like a thoroughbred for an electric second-half try.

Brumbies inside centre Kyle Godwin also showed a couple of nice steps, including one for a runaway second-half try.

While Brumbies coach Dan McKellar wasn’t happy with the “rusty” first half, he was pleased with the fight in the second and felt that gave them hope ahead of their round-one clash against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on February 24.

“Really pleased with the last 40 minutes, we were just slow out of the blocks for the first 40 minutes, a little bit of rust there,” he said.

“First game for a number of guys, so we’ll be better for the run, but I thought the fight we showed in the second half – we just managed to play how we wanted to play. “We had some passages where we maintained possession  and put the defence under pressure.”

Edited  by  Anasilini Ratuva

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