Tevita Kuridrani has revealed how he was “scared” playing Test rugby last year before developing into one of the Wallabies’ deadliest attacking weapons.
Kuridrani’s scintillating form was a highlight of Australia’s 28-10 loss to South Africa on Saturday, one of his 16 tackle-busting runs setting up the Wallabies’ only try for winger Adam Ashley-Cooper.
“I’m feeling good. That was probably one of my best games I’ve played for the Wallabies,” Kuridrani said after arriving in Argentina on Monday ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Pumas.
“It was a pretty tough one to lose, I’m pretty happy with the way I went.
“I have to try and back it up again this weekend and not just play that one (big) game and that’s it.
“I reckon I can still improve.”
The Fiji-born excitement machine admitted he was “probably shocked a little bit” to receive a Test call-up last year and only now is he starting to believe he’s capable of making a difference for the Wallabies.
“Last year when I was playing for the Wallabies, I was still scared,” he said.
“Then the more I played, the more I started understanding and started to get confident.
“Just playing with the boys, I feel more confident knowing the structure of the game, our team structure, so I feel more confident in stepping up.”
After establishing himself as Australia’s first-choice outside centre during last year’s Rugby Championship, Kuridrani ended the Wallabies’ spring tour under suspension and had to bide his time on the bench for his first five Tests of 2014.
But after winning back the prized gold No.13 jumper from Ashley-Cooper, Kuridrani is hoping to hang on to it and credits Brumbies teammate Christian Lealiifano for inspiring his form surge since earning his starting recall last month.
“He’s just always telling me to back myself. Like whatever I do, just back myself,” Kuridrani said.
“Telling me that I can do it, (that’s) just giving me confidence.”
Shy and softly spoken off the field, the 23-year-old says a concerted effort to start imposing himself on his more-experienced teammates on the pitch is also helping.
“I’m starting to get more confident now about speaking to the boys and calling for the ball when I want the ball,” he said.
“They’re starting to understand to give me the ball when I call for the ball.
“I try to be more talkative when I’m on the field. When I play on the field, I’m a different person.”
A different, more destructive beast.
“I just know when to switch on when I come to a big game,” he said.
“And straight after that, I switch off again to normal.”
Mike
Guest
He will put himself "way ahead" when he can do it consistently, not just game after game, but year after year. But every journey starts with a single step and he has made a big step up from TRC 2013.
Silver Sovereign
Guest
has definitely put himself way ahead of Ashley cooper for the 13 spot. He is also very aggressive in defence. his missed tackles towards the end of last weeks test were because he was buggered and had very little defensive help around him
Mike
Guest
I agree, John Rugby. He is starting to take the ball into contact well and consistently, bending the line, and also getting consistency in defence. This is very encouraging.
Utah
Guest
Didn't you watch the first test against South Africa John Rugby?
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
Only 23 years old. It is great that he is finding his feet at that age.
John Rugby
Guest
First time that Kurindrani has actually looked like a test rugby player. And a genuinely exciting prospect at that, here's to hoping that he can continue on an upwards trajectory from this point.