Wallabies: Rob Valetini fit for second Test against Lions
Wallabies star Rob Valetini has declared himself 'good to go' for Australia's do-or-die clash with the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night at the MCG and has backed the decision not to play him in his team's first Test loss in Brisbane.
The presence of the intimidating flanker was sorely missed by the Wallabies in the Lions' 27-19 weekend win at Suncorp Stadium.
Missing the game hurt, Valetini thought he was a 'shoo-in' to overcome a calf injury and be fit for the match.
'But it was a smart idea just to have a week off and get through some more training and a bit of more loading through the calf,' Valetini said in Melbourne.
'I did a session Saturday morning. I did a pretty tough session there, so (the calf) feels good to go.
'I had to put all my focus through my recovery and getting through all my exercise and trying to get the body right for the next two Tests.'
Rob Valetini is ready to return to Australia's forward pack on Saturday night against the British and Irish Lions. Picture:However the third Test on Saturday week in Sydney will mean nothing if the Lions clinch the three-game series with a win at the MCG.
'I was eager to get on the field (in Brisbane) but couldn't, and that's the challenge for us this week, knowing what's coming and trying to prepare for that,' said Melbourne-born Valetini, who hopes to deliver a strong performance in front of family and friends.
Not that he's feeling any extra pressure to do so despite the series being on the line for the Wallabies.
'I feel like it's just another game of rugby and something I've been playing ever since I was young,' Valetini said.
'I just try to go out there and just do my job, whether that's carrying (the ball) or doing the tackling. I'm just trying to do my bit for the team, and hopefully I can help the other boys as well.'
Veteran Wallabies prop James Slipper welcomed the likely return of Valetini, a two-time John Eales Medal winner.
'His size definitely helps – he's a really good player,' Slipper said of the 26-year-old ACT Brumbies back-rower.
'He gives a lot of boys around him a lot of confidence just the way he goes about his business.'
Wallabies prop James Slipper has now played in two series against the British and Irish Lions. Picture: David Gray / AFP)
Slipper suggested the Wallabies pack would also be boosted by the expected return of towering lock Will Skelton, who also missed the first Test with a calf problem.
'He (Valetini) won't be the only one that we'll be looking forward to seeing back out there this week. We've got a pretty full fit squad to pick from this weekend,' Slipper said.
Slipper has now played in two series against the Lions after also being part of the Wallabies squad that lost 2-1 in 2013 when Australia won the second Test of the series – also in Melbourne – to ensure a decider a week later.
'The belief is there in the group. It's about diving into that and making sure we prepare really well,' he said.
Originally published as Rob Valetini set to return from calf injury to play for Wallabies in do-or-die battle with British and Irish Lions
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