Brumbies coach Jake White expects big things from Peter Kimlin and has urged the versatile forward to not only lead by example in the 2012 Super Rugby season, but use it as a means to claw his way back into the Wallabies’ line-up.
Kimlin played two Tests for Australia in 2009, but injuries have marred his chances since.
White had a long chat with Kimlin the other day about what exactly the Brumbies expect of him this year and it includes performances good enough to turn the eyes of Wallabies selectors.
“We haven’t got a lot of experienced players left and it’s time now that a lot of these players who’ve been in the system for a while to put their hand up,” White said.
“And we know that one of the positions going forward in the Wallabies’ set-up is (No.6) … I’m hoping Kimmo uses this as an opportunity.”
Kimlin can play in both the back and second row but sees himself as a blindside breakaway and will be hoping to make the No.6 jersey his own for the Brumbies this year.
White is likely to start him there for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Western Force on Friday.
Kimlin is anticipating his best season yet after enduring a tough pre-season training regime under the notorious White.
“I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Kimlin, who re-signed with the Brumbies last year partly on account of White coming to the ACT-franchise.
“Everyone aspires to play for their country and obviously if you’ve played it before you’ve had that taste and you want to get back to it.”
White will name his starting XV against the Force on Wednesday, signalling there may be a few surprises in store.
“(Fans) might assume there are certain players around that might play,” he said.
“But the one thing we’ve been genuine about is giving everyone a fair crack in the trials.
“Everyone who’s played well in the trial deserves a chance to be up for selection.”
The Brumbies farewelled 13 of their starting players at the end of last season and boast the youngest side in the competition with an average age of just 22.
White said a win against the Force will be critical to how the Brumbies start the year.
“We’ve been waiting a long, long time for this Friday night,” he said.
“It’s vital for the winning ethos in our club and it’s vital for this new group of players.”
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