Wallabies coach Eddie Jones pleased with progress of Suliasi Vunivalu ahead of Rugby World Cup
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones sees unlimited potential in Queensland Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has hinted that Suliasi Vunivalu looms as a World Cup wildcard after the former NRL premiership winger signed a new two-year deal with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
Ex-Melbourne Storm flyer Vunivalu has been battling injuries since switching codes at the end of the 2020 NRL season.
However, he is currently enjoying a prolonged run of games for the Reds and believes his best is yet to come in the 15-a-side code.
“I’ve started to play 80 minutes without any cramps or any little niggles, so I’m pretty excited with how I’m going; I can’t wait for the next couple of years here with the Reds,” Vunivalu said.
“My game’s been getting better … and with my body, I’m stronger than when I got here.
“Having been speaking to the coaches, especially the strength and conditioning coaches, I’ve been doing a couple of extras every afternoon after training. That’s helped me a lot.”
Vunivalu, who has scored 15 tries in 26 appearances for the Reds, hasn’t played a Test since making his debut for Australia in July last year against England.
However, in April he was part of a Wallabies training squad which assembled on the Gold Coast under Jones, who has high hopes for Vunivalu.
“Suli has the potential to be a Test matchwinner,” Jones said.
“I’m really pleased with how he’s been progressing through Super Rugby and even happier that he’s committed his future to Queensland and the Wallabies.”
Despite Jones’ compliments, Vunivalu said he was “not yet” confident about being selected for this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
“Right now, for everyone, it’s about performing at Super Rugby level and then how you perform will determine whether you get (to the World Cup),” he said.
“Eddie has been messaging after every couple of games, telling me what to do, what to work on, and what I need to do better, which has been really helpful.”
Vunivalu, 27, also paid tribute to departing Queensland coach Brad Thorn, saying the Reds were keen to send him out on the high of a Super Rugby Pacific finals berth.
A win over Fijian Drua in Suva on Saturday will secure the Reds finals football.
“It’s a big game, this one. I’m looking forward to this match against them,” the Fiji-born excitement machine said.
“It’s sad to see ‘Thorney’ go. We want to finish off on a positive for him. Hopefully we’ll be in the finals next week.”
Originally published as Wallabies coach Eddie Jones pleased with progress of Suliasi Vunivalu ahead of Rugby World Cup
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