Karmichael Hunt faces a mountainous task to farewell rugby union with a coveted European Cup medal before starting the final chapter of his three-way code switch.
Gold Coast AFL recruit Hunt is poised to play just his second match in the playmaking position of five-eighth for Biarritz in the biggest club match in world rugby on Saturday (early Sunday AEST).
The former Test rugby league fullback’s French club will be underdogs against star-studded compatriots Toulouse who will be seeking an unprecedented fourth European Cup title before a capacity crowd of 80,000 at Paris’s Stade de France.
Hunt, who has predominantly played in the centres, is only finding his feet at No.10 after a six-month rugby union stint initially blighted by injury.
He was a shock selection at five-eighth in Biarritz’s 18-7 semi-final upset of Irish heavyweights Munster three weeks ago and likely to be retained in the crucial position.
With big-kicking French international Damien Traille unable to recover in time from a broken arm, Hunt is expected to use his boot more than hands for Biarritz to play a forward-oriented field position game.
Hunt has since had three weeks to prepare for his biggest and last game in the 15-man code but the last Australian to win a European Cup, Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom, and former Stade Francais coach Ewen McKenzie doubt he can lift his team over the line.
“If they are going to play Karmichael Hunt at 10 and it’s just his second game there, that’s a big ask,” said McKenzie, dumped by the Paris club in September.
“Toulouse have a lot of firepower, you need to have quality in your team but they have star quality.
“They play a more sophisticated game (than Biarritz) and on paper are a better 15 and also have a bench full of experience.”
For Toulouse, influential playmaker Jean-Baptiste Elissalde is in doubt but former All Black halfback Byron Kelleher is back at the scrumbase.
Elsom, man-of-the-match in Leinster’s 2009 Cup final triumph over English giants Leicester, doubted Biarritz could create enough scoring opportunities with the former Broncos star at five-eighth.
“With Hunt at No.10, Biarritz looked limited,” he said. “His ability is obvious, and his vigour for the game looks infectious, but unleashing the centres and back three didn’t seem to be on his agenda.”
Hunt will fly home almost immediately after the final and could make his debut for Gold Coast in the VFL as early as June 5.
The 23-year-old’s huge three-year deal locks him into the AFL until 2014 but he has indicated he’s keen for a second stint in French rugby.
Speaking last week, Hunt said he hadn’t missed playing league and had “struck the jackpot” in France.
“Having had such a successful time over here now, if I hadn’t had the AFL deal on the table and there was an opportunity for me to come play rugby I’d definitely stay on,” he said.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Justin Harrison was absolutely loving this. The ex-Wallaby got his hands on footage of Stephen Larkham playing some fourth-grade rugby and used it to…
Have to take what you can get as a back! Rob Valetini earnt the bragging rights as the Brumbies beat the Drua 28-20.
They were made to play until the last whistle, but the ACT Brumbies held on to post an important 28-20 win over the Fijian…
Cheeky from Tom. Luke Reimer had a game-saving impact off the bench for the Brumbies, and Samuela Tawake wanted a piece of him on…
Queensland Reds winger Tim Ryan has had a fantastic fortnight, scoring a hat-trick against the Blues and then a double against the Crusaders. The…
Despite losing the possession battle, the Brumbies still led 21-10 at half-time over the Drua thanks to a Len Ikitau double.
