Lopeti Timani sets his sights on being Wallabies’ next great No. 8

THE No. 8 role is up for grabs long term and Lopeti Timani wants to build on his first four Tests to become a mainstay at the back of the Wallabies pack.

Lopeti Timani looks to pass during last weekend’s big win over Wales in Cardiff. Picture: Getty Images

BLOCKBUSTING backrower Lopeti Timani says he cannot afford to let his performances slip if he is to become the next great Tongan No. 8 for the Wallabies.

Asked if he felt he could one day hold similar status to Wycliff Palu, Toutai Kefu and Willie Ofahengaue, the four-Test rookie replied: “At the moment it’s dependent on me. If I want to take the position I have to work hard to own the No. 8 because I think a few of the boys like Sean McMahon, (David) Pocock, if I’m not playing well it’s easy for them to take the No. 8 [jersey],” Timani said.

“I have to play well every weekend and look after myself so I can perform really well.

“At the Tahs a couple of years ago I used to play with Cliffy. I learned from him at No.8. I watch TV … George Smith, (I want to) follow their footsteps.”

Lopeti Timani (middle) has had a big impact since joining the Wallabies, Picture: Getty Images

Timani has brought the hard-running edge lacking in previous Wallabies performances, particularly this year, and reminiscent of when the great No. 8s steered Australia to success.

Michael Cheika has been most pleased with the intricacies of Timani’s game since the 124kg powerhouse debuted in September against Argentina.

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“His consistency and detail in his game, there’s a fair bit of detail in the way we play around the shape of our game and everybody’s role, and he’s picked that up really well in a short space of time,” Cheika said.

“But he’s still learning too, he’s hungry for more, and I want to give him another opportunity to have a go.”

Meanwhile, Cheika commended the achievements of Israel Folau and Nick Phipps, who will reach 50 Test caps in this weekend’s match against Scotland.

Israel Folau reaches 50 Test caps this week. Picture: Getty Images

It will also be a milestone night for Nick Phipps. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s crept up pretty quickly, for Israel in particular, he’s had less time in the game,” Cheika said.

“Nick, I’ve had a lot to do with him, bringing him back to the Waratahs, and starting with Israel there.

“We try to always put the personal milestones behind the team in this group.

“I think it’s a nice achievement for the lads, and you’ve got to pay respect to that — 50 Tests for your country is a great effort.

“But at the end of the day I think they’d give a lot of those Tests away to get a win on Saturday.”

SCOTLAND v AUSTRALIA

Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Sunday 1.30am (EDT)

TV: Live on Foxtel’s BeIn Sports

SCOTLAND: 15. Stuart Hogg 14. Sean Maitland 13. Huw Jones 12. Alex Dunbar 11. Tim Visser 10. Finn Russell 9. Greig Laidlaw (captain) 8. Ryan Wilson 7. Hamish Watson 6. John Barclay 5. Jonny Gray 4. Richie Gray 3. Zander Fagerson 2. Ross Ford 1.Allan Dell.

Reserves: 16. Fraser Brown 17. Gordon Reid 18. Moray Low 19. Grant Gilchrist 20. John Hardie 21. Ali Price 22. Pete Horne 23. Rory Hughes.

AUSTRALIA: 15. Israel Folau 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 13. Tevita Kuridrani 12. Reece Hodge 11. Henry Speight 10. Bernard Foley 9. Will Genia 8. Lopeti Timani 7. Michael Hooper 6. David Pocock 5. Adam Coleman 4. Rory Arnold 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Stephen Moore (captain) 1. Scott Sio.

Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu 17. Tom Robertson 18. Allan Alaalatoa 19. Rob Simmons 20. Will Skelton 21. Dean Mumm 22. Nick Phipps 23. Quade Cooper.