Sefa Naivalu feels Brumbies winger Henry Speight has one wing berth sewn up for the Wallabies' opening June Test against Fiji and he's desperate to win selection on the other wing against his native country.
The 25-year-old moved to Melbourne from Fiji in 2014 and after being discovered by the Rebels and signed to a Super Rugby contract, made his Wallabies debut late last year, not long after becoming eligible.
He said while every Test match was special, playing against Fiji in Melbourne, at AAMI Park on Saturday, would be one to treasure.
"Every match is very special to me but especially playing against Fiji, my native country, so it would be a really exciting game," said Naivalu, who battled a shoulder injury early in the Super Rugby season.
"If I get selected and given the opportunity to play against them I think it would really mean a lot."
Speight, Queensland Reds flyer Eto Nabuli and fellow Rebel Marika Koroibete were all born in Fiji, with the country producing some of the world's best finishers.
Western Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty, who has played on the Wallabies wing over the past 12 months, is the odd man out
Naivalu said Speight had to be considered the front-runner given his personal form and that of the Brumbies.
"He probably won't lose anything because he's been performing week by week in Super Rugby so I think he can be confident," he said.
Ex-Melbourne Storm winger Koroibete has emerged as a genuine contender to win his first Test cap, growing in skill and confidence through his first Super Ruby season.
"Week by week he's been improving his game and his knowledge and skills, so I think he's one who has X-factor in the team," Naivalu said.
Equally at home in the centres Naivalu said he wouldn't have any trouble playing against his country of birth.
"It won't be difficult for me, I'm still playing the sport I love," he said.
"I will give everything on the field and play the way I play.
"I will sing the national anthem for Australia but I will always be a proud Fijian."
Share
