Tualima out to fill ‘big shoes’ in Reds battle
Sebastian Tan |
Tuaina Taii Tualima declares it’s been tough watching the ACT Brumbies get off to a blistering start without him, but the back-rower feels he can’t let a golden opportunity slide after being thrust into the starting line-up.
Fresh off beating the Blues 30-27 for a third-straight win, the Brumbies will be looking to continue their perfect start to the season when they host the Queensland Reds in Canberra on Saturday night.
But, they will be without one of their star back-rowers, Rob Valetini, after he was put on ice by coach Stephen Larkham because of Wallabies management.
Larkham has selected former Red Tualima to start in the No.6 jersey in Valetini’s absence, in what will be the 28-year-old’s first appearance of the season.
“With Hoops (Michael Hooper) going overseas (in the off-season), I’m looking to fill that carry role … and help punch through the middle,” Tualima told reporters on Friday.
“Bobby (Valetini) is the best carrier in the game, and it’s big shoes to fill.
“It’s always tough not being on the field. But … it (the team) helps me go straight in. Everyone knows their role, it’s the same squad, so I’ve just got to do my job.”
But the Brumbies’ hopes of keeping their streak alive have taken a hit with both outside backs Corey Toole (leg tightness) and Ollie Sapsford (hamstring) late outs.
They will be replaced by Hudson Creighton and Kye Oates, who will earn his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Regardless, all eyes will be on the back-row battle, with the Reds featuring Fraser McReight and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, while the Brumbies have the in-form Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott and Tualima in their ranks.
McReight is focused on the battle, but is just as keen to watch 18-year-old Treyvon Pritchard make his debut after being called up to the bench by coach Les Kiss.
After an eye-catching pre-season, the emerging star will hope to take the field and face his brother Kadin.
“He (Pritchard) is special. He’s 18 and doing things that I haven’t seen done before … and everyone can see what he’s about,” McReight said.
“My last win down there was 2021. Everyone rises to the occasion, and hopefully it’s a fast deck at GIO.”
Queensland won’t have winger Tim Ryan (rest), playmaker Tom Lynagh (leg), Hunter Paisami (ankle) and Matt Faessler (knee) as they aim to win back-to-back matches, having beaten the Highlanders 31-14 last Friday.
AAP