Rob Valetini is hoping that modeling his game on the likes of legendary back-rowers Jerry Collins and Sébastien Chabal can help deliver him a Wallabies jersey.
Valetini was selected in the Wallabies 40-man training squad as Dave Rennie begins preparations for a three-test series against France in July.
Watch every minute of Super Rugby AU on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
As he looks to guide the Brumbies to back-to-back titles, he revealed that a boost in intensity has helped transform his game, taking inspiration from legendary All-Black Jerry Collins and 'The Caveman' Sébastien Chabal.
“I try and base my game off the older day number sixes and eights; Jerry Collins, Sébastien Chabal," he told reporters on Monday.
"Being physical and trying to have an impact on the game and that’s what I’m trying to do, be physical and be a leader through my actions.
"If I can be physical through a game, others will follow so I'm trying to stamp my name."
This comes after a long chat with Rennie, who believes that he needs to improve his work rate if he wants to build on his four Wallaby appearances, all off the bench.
"I had feedback from the coaches where they wanted more involvement from myself through work rate and repeated efforts so that comes through training," he believes.
"If I can train at this intensity and work hard, I can definitely do that on Saturday so that’s definitely something I’ve been working on. It's been paying off on game day."
Valetini's strong performances has left many questioning the make-up of the Wallabies back-row, with Rennie and the coaching staff trialing a number of options in the six jersey.
Even captain Michael Hooper's spot has come under fire from young gun Fraser McReight, who was crucial in the Reds' victory over the Brumbies.
He believes that this competition is positive for Australian rugby ahead of the Super Rugby AU finals and Trans Tasman.
"I think none of the numbers are set and settled," he added.
"I think that’s going to be for everyone in the team.
"No one’s already picked in that squad so I think that’ll be motivation to try and get in the starting team."
READ MORE:
TOTW: Round Eight Team Of The Week
JAPAN WRAP: Hooper faces Foley
LOMU-LIKE: Thorn prasies Petaia
Sunday afternoon Rugby is back in Melbourne this weekend when the Rebels take on the Brumbies at AAMI Park, kicking off at 2:00pm AEST, the home side will look to keep their finals hopes alive following a narrow loss to the Force last weekend. You can catch all the action LIVE on Stan Sport, click here to purchase tickets.
