NSW lock Sitaleki Timani isn’t someone you want on your bad side and, unfortunately for the Brumbies, the Super Rugby man mountain has a long memory.
Timani was with the Brumbies in 2010 and barely had a look in, however the Waratahs have since found the 203cm and 120kg giant a more-than-handy weapon.
Last year in the corresponding match in Canberra, Timani responded to his snubbing by scoring the final-minute match-winner against the Brumbies.
And this time around, the Waratahs will try to take advantage of that burning fire once more, elevating the 25-year-old to the starting-line-up for the first time this season.
Timani said he’s still driven by a desire to prove his former side wrong for not playing him, and is fired up for Saturday night’s crucial Australian Conference derby which the Waratahs are viewing as a must-win for their finals hopes.
“Coming off 2010, I didn’t play any games at the Brumbies and I came down here and got a chance to go back and play against them and it gave me more motivation to try and prove something,” Timani said.
“I’m still trying to prove myself … to every team.
“It’s always good to play against your old mates in Canberra and it’s a big challenge to try and push in and beat them.
“I was just lucky to be there at the right time to get us the win last year. It was a pick and go behind the ruck and I didn’t really see the line. I just put my arm out hoping I was at the line.”
Timani made his international debut for Australia against Samoa last year, and says he’s determined to attract the attention of selectors again.
The Tongan-born forward says he’s focused on making his starting berth at the Waratahs permanent, and he’ll let the rest take care of itself.
“I’m not really thinking about the Wallabies now. I’m just working step by step,” he said.
“My first step now is to try and regain the starting position and the next step is to go from there and play well and try and get the selectors interested in me.”
The game-breaking Timani moves into the starting 15 at the expense of Dean Mumm, who moves back to the reserves bench.
Timani’s promotion is the only change to the Waratahs’ starting XV that lost 37-33 to the Crusaders on Sunday, with blindside flanker Dave Dennis retaining the No.6 jumper from Rocky Elsom.
Uncle Eric
Guest
Hells bells Johnno how often have you come up with thisWings Alex Cutherbert 6’6 106kg George North 6’4 105kg Centres Jamie ROberts 6’4 110kg Matt Banagahn 6’7 116kg Manu Tuilagi 6’1 110kg(who has now bench pressed 190kg 80kg more than his own body weight) and maybe Brian o’dricscoll will still be up to it Lions'. We've all read it several times, how about giving us a break from this point?
Bakkies
Guest
Geoff the Brumbies have proven that there is nothing wrong with the playing pool. Just poor coaching and direction from management. Hire a good coach and recruit players to suit that coach's style then you will get good rugby.
Bakkies
Guest
I wouldn't be surprised in regards to AAC. Last contract he signed at the Brumbies was for four years. I can't think of anyone else (not even Mortlock and Gregan) who signed a long term deal like that. He obviously thinks very highly of the place regardless of what happened last year. Problem is by the time his Waratahs deal is up he would be about 28, the salary cup will be in place and the younger guys in the Brumbies back line will be on much larger contracts
jeznez
Guest
sorry - didn't realise that is what we were engaging in. In that case the big bad Waratah pack is going to smash the baby Brumbies off the ball. We've got two actual 120 kg second rowers not wannabe back rowers like Fardy and Carter. Bring it on!!!!
Bakkies
Guest
Yep quiet simple he wasn't good enough. He struggled at the Force too
Johnno
Guest
yes i want to see his big thighs slamming into Ab's heads, and smashing his way past Nonu and SBW and co. He has the size in fact he is bigger than them.
rl
Guest
They are not options. It would be like including Halangahu. But it suited your argument to include them, but not other genuine options with a bit of size about them like Inman, Kingston, Morahan, or even Shipperley (all in excess of 6'1 and 90kgs). Don't worry, I know I won't change your view - and I agree, Kuridrani has shown enough to warrant a look, particuarly as we look a bit ropey at 13 on form, let alone size. Anyway, you can get back to thinking about Joe Tomane's big thighs! (Rodzilla's got some big 'uns too... mmmm)
bmwwilliams
Roar Rookie
quite possibly jez, but I love a bit of pre-game smack talk!
jeznez
Guest
KP, we have a few weeks yet before those decisions need to be made. Timani is in his first starting game of the year so lets see how he goes, I really like young Sam Carter at the Brumbies who has been strong. Lets see how Carter goes up against a very powerful pack this weekend. Genia was badly out of form but snapped out of it on the weekend - Horwill may make that switch as well. Plenty of rugby to occur before we have to start picking teams.
jeznez
Guest
Guys I think you are reading too much of the commentary in the piece and not enough of the actual quotes. Have a look at what he actually said about playing the Brumbies: “Coming off 2010, I didn’t play any games at the Brumbies and I came down here and got a chance to go back and play against them and it gave me more motivation to try and prove something,” “I’m still trying to prove myself … to every team. “It’s always good to play against your old mates in Canberra and it’s a big challenge to try and push in and beat them.
formeropenside
Guest
I think a Watson/Cowan/Warner front row would be in trouble at Super rugby level, let alone Tests.
Johnno
Guest
rl i was piointing out Australia's weak option and reaility is Tom carter, and Roda Davies are options, and both not very good.
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
All talk and no bite, just play every game as if your livelihood depends on it.Aus talent pool is looking more and more empty which is why more overseas players and coaches will be needed to ensure survival at a high level is sustained for rugby in australia. Everyone gets on the train when the team is winning and when its not? well, time will tell.
BraveHeart
Guest
Kuridrani should make the starting berth permanent first
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Well well well wanting too prove someone wrong huh? WELL HOWABOUT THIS ONE FOR THE BOOKS 'TAHS; HOWABOUT PLAYING LIKE YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO WIN EVERY GAME !!!!!..........AND FINALLY LEARN FROM YOUR SAME BASIC MISTAKES HUH ? !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Markus
Guest
Agreed, the more I read it, the more his actual quotes seem to indicate a desire to prove to himself that he has stepped up as a player, as opposed to trying to settle a score. The media would never try and make a story into something it isn't, would they? :)
Chris
Guest
He would be about the first to follow that path of development KPM. How many years is AAC's contract? Reading between the lines of what he's saying he seems to wish he was back with the Brumbies. The whole reason he went to Sydney was to be with his GF (and because the Brumbies were a shambles). Now he has broken up with his GF and the Brumbies have turned themselves around. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him at the Brumbies with his next contract.
rl
Guest
Blah blah blah. Diggers and Genia both bench 180kegs (which is 87kgs and 95kgs over their respective body weights). Hasn't done squat for Genia this season until he got the muscle between his ears sorted out. Rod Davies? Tom Carter? I was taking your comment seriously up until that point.
jeznez
Roar Guru
The actual quotes from him in the article all seem pretty fair to me - the second one points to where his head is at and is exactly the right attitude. “Coming off 2010, I didn’t play any games at the Brumbies and I came down here and got a chance to go back and play against them and it gave me more motivation to try and prove something,” “I’m still trying to prove myself … to every team. “I’m not really thinking about the Wallabies now. I’m just working step by step,” he said. “My first step now is to try and regain the starting position and the next step is to go from there and play well and try and get the selectors interested in me.”
Justin
Guest
I'm interested to see how he performs for 60mins. Brief flashes off the bench are all well and good against tiring sides. Lets see how he handle the cauldron when all players are fresh and firing. I hope he goes well but he is no star yet...