New dad Saia Fainga’a is carrying a heavy heart on the Wallabies’ European tour.
But the Queensland Reds hooker says he’s struck a balance that will allow him to stay focused on the daunting task facing Australia’s forwards in the coming weeks.
Fainga’a missed September’s win over South Africa in Perth due to the birth of his first child and rugby commitments have meant he’s only been able to spend around ten days with two-month old daughter Sienna.
Spending another month away from his daughter and fiancee Alicia Antico is painful but the 27-year-old said the tour environment under coach Michael Cheika had allowed him to devote time to both family and rugby commitments.
“A big thing Cheik’s brought in is making sure there is that balance,” Fainga’a said.
“So for us, it’s making sure rugby is number one but we also have that balance between family life and enjoyment and other things around rugby as well.
“It’s been tough and my fiancee is doing it pretty tough at home but that makes the green and gold jersey even more special, to be away knowing that you’re representing the jersey.”
Between frequent FaceTime sessions and phone calls home, much of Fainga’a’s focus has been on helping the Wallabies’ scrum that has come under renewed scrutiny.
Australia conceded a penalty try in the 33-28 win over Wales in Cardiff, reopening some old wounds in an area of the game where the Wallabies have steadily improved their reputation.
Fainga’a says consistency is the key and matches against France – in Paris on Saturday – Ireland and England will provide the perfect preparation for next year’s World Cup.
“The French have got one of the most brutal packs and their scrum shows that,” said Fainga’a, who could start a fifth successive Test for the first time in his career on Saturday.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do but for us it’s about making sure we get that consistency around that scrum every time.”
jeznez
Roar Guru
BA converted as Robbie retired Baxter. He scrummaged really well in 2009 on the November tour after being caught with his feet too far back in his initial tests. Unfortunately he got injured after that and has never got his TH play back to the level needed. Especially while Palmer was at the Brumbies he was sent back to LH. Now with Dan's move to France then retirement and the rise of Sio, BA is spending his time back at TH but not showing signs that the extended run there is improving his scrum.
IronAwe
Guest
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Alexander a loose head prop? Played loose head his entire life and for some bizarre reason got used as a tight head prop for the Wallabies? Then in only the last couple of seasons has he played tight head for ACT? Might explain why he is so terrible in the position.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Spot on Markus. :D
RobC
Roar Guru
imo, its indicative of the attention the scrum got - during practice. If true: its ominous, if you pause to think about it.
markjohnconley
Guest
For those that know of scrummaging why was Skelton's head so obvious in those scrums near their line? Is he so big he can't get down to get his shoulders where they should be?
RobC
Roar Guru
Congrats and welcome to fatherhood. The best job there ever will be Hope he leads the pack to an excellent scrum this weekend, especially his locks and flankers.
Brisbane boys
Guest
Holmes is a great option I don't know what he has done wrong. Also if you look at the way the Welsh shifted onto Kepu at the Penalty Try it is very hard to Combat. Also the penalty before half time for the scrum was complete rubbish from the pommie linesman. Sai F is my sons hero and a great bloke in all dealings we have had with him.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
All I can say is the "hinge" is not the answer. The same as when Big Al "go down" Baxter was in the side. They powers to be might consider looking at Holmes again he is approaching his prime as a prop. I reckon it would be worth a look.
Shop
Roar Guru
Yep, I met him while in Mendoza and he is a great bloke. Was obviously missing his family big time but still put everything into his rugby. Good on you Saia.
Fin
Guest
I think Saia is the type of player who will flourish under Cheika.
Markus
Guest
In my extremely humble opinion, given that Pek Cowan is a loosehead prop I think he would be substantially worse as a tighthead reserve than Alexander.
Hertryk
Guest
InmyVERYhumble opinion I think Pek Cowan should be there instead of Alexander !
RT
Guest
Class act.
DJM
Guest
“It’s been tough and my fiancee is doing it pretty tough at home but that makes the green and gold jersey even more special, to be away knowing that you’re representing the jersey.” Good on you Saia , exactly the sort of attitude and values the wallabies should be embracing .... certainly showing on the field since your return to Wallabies squad . Congrats -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.