Caleb Timu hasn't been at his ball-carrying best in the June Series, but the Wallabies no. 8 isn't worried about any selection speculation in Sydney.
Timu came into the Wallabies squad on the basis of his strong ball carries, but hasn’t been able to replicate that in his two Test outings, with just five carries for 13 metres in his two Test opporunities.
The no. 8 said an ankle hit had hampered him in the game on Saturday night, but was determined to try and replicate his Super Rugby form at international level.
“I think that was my goal for last game, I tried to get as many touches as I could but after my first run I got a little clip to my ankle and tried to work through that,” he said.
“Definitely, that's why I'm here to carry the ball and get us some go forward and I want to continue to work on that.”
The no. 8 has had two starting opportunities, but is under pressure to keep his spot for the third Test, with Ned Hanigan and Lukhan Tui possibilities to come into the starting team for the clash.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika kept an unchanged 23 for the second Test, and Timu said he had to leave the decision of whether he retained his spot long-term to the coaches.
“I'd like it to be,” he said.
“I'm not the coach but it really depends on my form, so I really want to focus on myself and get myself right playing good footy, reduce penalties and really try to be an asset for the team, I guess that's what we're all here for and that's what we're going to try and do.”
Timu said the Wallabies were positive, despite a second Test loss, heading into the Sydney decider.
“I think we just understand how big this week is and everyone's positive, the attitude is we're learning from our mistakes and it's positive and everyone will try and improve and really start today with our preparation on the training paddock,” he said.
“It really comes down to preparation, so if we can get that down pat that goes a long way come game day.”
The Wallabies take on Ireland in the third Test in Sydney on Saturday, kicking off at 8:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Channel Ten and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
