Super Rugby Pacific news | Rugby Australia emplored to secure Tongan-born star Mahe Vailanu
3 min read
Former Wallabies international Stephen Hoiles has tipped Tonga’s rugby powerbrokers to chase Mahe Vailanu should Australia not go after the Waratahs hooker.
Vailanu hasn’t been the first pick for the Waratahs, though that’s not to say the Tongan-born, New Zealand-educated, Australian-based player hasn’t starred.
David Porecki has been the Waratahs’ primary hooker with Vailanu and Tolu Latu in reserve in that order.
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Vailanu is eligible to play for Tonga but could conceivably play for Australia too.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, Hoiles hailed Vailanu’s performance despite being on the bench more often than not.
« I’m going to throw it out there – Mahe is becoming probably one of the top three hookers in the country. I know he’s coming off the bench, but he’s exceptional, » said Hoiles.
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« He’s eligible for Tonga. I don’t know what his plans are. Is he going to stay at the ‘Tahs? I know that Tonga would be chasing him for a World Cup.
« We better use him soon or we’ll lose him. »
Hoiles said that while Vailanu was by no means prolific early in his career, the 26-year-old has made significant strides forward in his development.
He noted a lack of mistakes and an ability to slot in without disrupting the scrum or lineout throws.
« He’s got better and better, » said Hoiles.
« Porecki has been outstanding and that’s his strength, his set piece is phenomenal, but are you noticing Mahe miss throws? Are you noticing the scrum struggle when he comes on?
« It’s a position where you’ve got to do your time in the saddle to get better. You’ve got to be humiliated and you’ve got to be humbled as a hooker – scrummaging and throwing. That happened a few years ago when I was coaching sides and his lineout throws weren’t excellent, but he’s getting coached well. He’s got to be considered now. »
Morgan Turinui also hailed Vailanu’s influence as an « attacking option » and « mini ball player » in the Waratahs’ win over the Fijian Drua.
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Stephen Hoiles and Morgan Turinui review teenage sensation Max Joregensen’s stellar run and discuss all the storylines from Super Rugby Pacific round 13
The Waratahs head to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Saturday, May 27 at 2.35pm (AEST) before the final round of the regular season at home hosting Moana Pasifika on Saturday, June 3 at 7.35pm (AEST).
The Waratahs occupy sixth on the ladder and cannot drop out of the top eight with two rounds remaining.
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