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Opinion
With the mass exodus of locks in Australia, there has not been a better time for young second-rowers to push for Wallabies selection.
Yet with this in mind, what about returning veterans who have served their trade across the world for years upon years? Can the old bulls of the game still push for selection in the national team?
Sitaleki Timani made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force back in 2008, he then moved to the Brumbies for the 2009 and 2010 seasons and then lastly played with the Waratahs from 2011 to 2013. Across this six-year period, Timani earned 54 Super Rugby Caps and 18 Caps for the Wallabies, making his Aussie debut in 2011 versus Samoa.
From this point in 2013 he then proceeded to depart Australian soil and went on to play eight seasons of French Top 14 split between Montpellier and Clermont picking up 111 caps, scoring two tries and averaging 143 carry metres per season.
Now after eight seasons overseas, Timani has returned to Australia signing with the Perth-based Western Force side for the 2021 season at a grand height of 203 cm and weighing an imposing 119 kg. Timani is known for his reliable lineout jumping, mammoth scrummaging strength and high work rate surrounding the ruck. Since returning to Australia in early March this year, Timani has played in two games for the Western Force.
Firstly off the bench versus the Rebels and then starting against the Reds, hving eight carries for 12 metres and seven tackles across his first two games back in Australia. With more game time, Timani’s form and workload will improve.
With the Western Force recently signing Izack Rodda, who has played 25 matches for the Wallabies and a further 46 matches for the QLD Reds, from French club Lyon, the hopeful second-row pairing of Rodda and Timani at the Western Force would be an intriguing one for Australian Rugby fans hoping to see the second-rowers situation in Australia become brighter.
If veteran second-rower Sitaleki Timani is able to find form at the Western Force, it will be interesting to see if he adds to his 18 caps for the Wallabies under head coach Dave Rennie, as his experience and set-piece ability would be valuable to a rising Wallabies team.
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.