Vunivalu has work cut out for WC spot

FIJIAN winger Suliasi Vunivalu has his work cut out if he is to have any chance of playing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with the Wallabies later this year.

Australia coach Dave Rennie is looking for Vunivalu to push his way into contention via Super Rugby as the Wallabies begin preparations for the RWC. The RWC will be held in France on September 8 to October 28.

Rennie has assembled a 44-player squad on the Gold Coast for the week, with the Vunivalu a notable omission.

Injuries, the lack of game time and the rise of another Fijian winger in Mark Nawaqanitawase have put Vunivalu out of contention and a big performance in the Super Rugby will be needed.

For Vunivalu, Rennie pointed to the importance of providing the repeat efforts that have helped the likes of Nawaqanitawase break out at Test level.

“Suli has got really clear messages,” Rennie was quoted in rugby.com.au.

“We need to see him run fast. We need to see him open up and repeat of speed efforts.

“We know his ability aerially is excellent. He needs to put in good performances at Super level. He had a couple of runs with Australia A and he needs to build on it.

“What we saw from Mark Nawaqanitawase is a man who’s equally good (as Vunivalu) aerially, but is good all over the park,” Rennie said. His speed and repeat speed was excellent as was his post-tackle work and his defensive work

“He grabbed his opportunity and played the best three games of his life at Test level. The challenge for him now is to make sure that he comes in and wants to be better. That’s the message he’ll get over the next couple of days.”

Meanwhile, other Wallabies players with Fijian connections in the 44-player squad include Samu Kerevi, Rob Valetini and Langi Gleeson.