Ikitau eyes return to crowded Wallabies midfield for Argentina challenge
Rugby Union – Autumn Internationals – Wales v Australia – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain – November 17, 2024 Australia’s Len Ikitau in action before scoring a try Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
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MELBOURNE, Aug 24 : Len Ikitau is ready to return to the Wallabies’ midfield against Argentina after injury troubles and has an open mind about where he should fit in new coach Les Kiss’s plans.
Ikitau missed Kiss’s first tests in charge against Japan while sidelined with an ankle problem but will be expected to slot back into the starting 15 for the first Pumas match in San Salvador on Saturday.
Quite where the classy centre starts is up in the air, given he is capable in both positions.
Hunter Paisami also had strong outings in the wins over Japan in the number 12 jersey that Ikitau wore under former coach Joe Schmidt in a midfield pairing with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
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Ikitau said the midfield competition could only be good for the Wallabies and he would be happy to take a bench spot if Kiss so desired.
“Obviously I’ve only played 12 since Joseph’s come in, and I’ve only played 13 for the Brumbies, but for me, I love playing 12 or 13,” Ikitau said.
“We’ll get to that when we get there, but happy to do my part whether that’s 12 or 13. Or 23 or 22. I’m quite happy as just a centre … being able to cover both.”
Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry is another midfield option for Kiss, and impressed Ikitau as the starting outside centre in the big win over Japan in Townsville while Suaalii was nursing a hamstring strain.
“It was pretty cool, especially seeing Zaccy (Henry) debut and watching Hunter play again. I thought they did an amazing job in terms of leading the back line.”
Argentina will be a step up in class for the Wallabies despite their slow start in the July tests, losing to England and Scotland at home in the Nations Championship.
Australia have had mixed fortunes in the last two-test tours of Argentina in 2022 and 2024, winning the openers before getting thrashed in the second matches.
“So for us, we want to be consistent in the way we play and just make sure that we’re putting in good performances and performances that we’re proud of,” said Ikitau.
Source: Reuters
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