THE “absolutely abrasive” style of Karmichael Hunt can be the key to a Reds upset in Samoa and final proof he deserves an immediate Wallabies debut against Fiji on June 10.
Coach Nick Stiles paid Hunt a major compliment when rating him as influential as Quade Cooper at the Reds this year because of his fearless rushing defence, support play and the intensity of his running from the back.
In steamy Apia, the fullback’s strongest assets will all have to be on song if a chastened Reds outfit is to topple the Blues, even minus injured All Black Sonny Bill Williams (knee).
Stiles wielded the axe as promised with inconsistent Wallabies Nick Frisby and Rob Simmons dropped and prop Sam Talakai benched after last Friday’s crash to the Western Force.
Karmichael Hunt’s abrasive style can lead Reds to victory in Apia.Source:AAP
Recalled hooker Andrew Ready, almost unsighted since he was dropped for a fall-off in training standards seven weeks ago, will have a point to prove starting in place of Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, who was rested from this match.
James Tuttle is in at halfback for Frisby and strong-running backrower Caleb Timu will debut from the bench but the boldest of calls is uniting new Wallaby squad member Lukhan Tui, 20, and Izack Rodda, 20, as a young gun lock pairing.
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It is the first time without Simmons or Kane Douglas as a “minder” for a young lock in the starting side.
Wonderful Samoan hospitality, a visit to a special needs school in Apia, clinics and village visits for the squad’s players of local heritage have enlivened the Reds but the punchline must be a big showing on the field.
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Stiles was delighted that uncapped trio Eto Nabuli, Tui and Hunt were included in the Wallabies squad for this month’s three Tests.
“These three are all having their best seasons in different ways,” Stiles said.
“Karmichael has been absolutely abrasive with his play and is defending exceptionally well (in the centres).
“It says most about him that when he’s not been there it’s had a massive effect on the side.
“Lukhan was probably not on many people’s radar at all for a Wallabies jersey this year.
“Look closely at his performances and you’ll see a very big 119kg body with athletic ability who ball-carries, jumps, pushes and has a very big future.”
Hunt was delighted to win his Wallabies call-up and his performances finally mean he deserves it.
“It’s a huge honour for me and my family and when you are selected in any Wallabies or Kangaroos squad it comes as a surprise because there is so much talent for national teams,” Hunt said.
Hunt has been one of Reds best.Source:AAP
“It’s been a long road with a number of injuries and other things and I’m looking forward to putting my best foot forward in training to get a gig.”
Hunt said he didn’t see Israel Folau as a roadblock to his Wallabies ambitions because both are at their best at fullback, not when positional switches or a super sub role are possible.
“We’ve got a lot of history, playing with each other and against other in different codes, and it would be nice to get in the same team,” Hunt said.
“It’s been done before and Cheik (coach Michael Cheika) is one to look outside the box.
“Obviously, I’ve got no preference when it comes to the national team … I just want to win a jersey.”
REDS: Karmichael Hunt, Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi (c), Duncan Paia’aua, Eto Nabuli, Quade Cooper, James Tuttle, Scott Higginbotham, George Smith, Hendrik Tui, Lukhan Tui, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Andrew Ready, Sef Fa’agase. Res: Alex Mafi, Kirwan Sanday, Sam Talakai, Kane Douglas, Adam Korczyk, Caleb Timu, Nick Frisby, Jake McIntyre
BLUES: Melani Nanai, Declan O’Donnell, Rene Ranger, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Piers Francis, Sam Nock, Steven Luatua, Kara Pryor, Jimmy Tupou, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sione Mafileo, James Parsons (c), Alex Hodgman. Res: Hame Faiva, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Billy Guyton, Stephen Perofeta, Jordan Trainor.
Originally published as Stiles pays Hunt ultimate compliment
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