Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini is pleased to have overcome the calf issues that derailed his 2025 Lions Series as his side prepare for a fired-up South Africa.
Valetini is a timely inclusion at number eight for just his second appearance of the year after injury ruled out skipper Harry Wilson for Australia’s Cape Town rematch with the world champion Springboks.
The two-time John Eales Medalist says he is happy to be back and he hopes he can do his job for the team this week.
Valetini was watching from the stands as the Wallabies rallied from 22-0 to claim a 38-22 bonus-point victory - one of their largest ever comeback wins.
He says he was just so happy for the team and the way that they were able to bounce back in the second half and show their character there.
The Wallabies understand the loss will only spur the Springboks on - especially given South Africa could drop behind the Australians on the World Rankings should a similar upset occur.
Valetini says their focus this week has just controlling what they can do in camp and in training, controlling how they play and going up against the Springboks.
The Wallabies play the Springboks at 3.10am Sunday in Cape Town while the All Blacks meet the Pumas at 9.10am Sunday in Buenos Aires.
[Source: rugby.com.au]
