Sports

Brumbies lock Blake Enever eyes Australian rugby’s hottest jersey

ACT Brumbies lock Blake Enever would "love" another crack at proving his versatility but he is more than happy to focus on staking a claim for one of Australian rugby's most hotly-contested jerseys.

It comes as Wallabies coach Michael Cheika prepares to name his squad for the June Test series against reigning Six Nations champions Ireland later this month.

Blake Enever.

The Brumbies will likely be buoyed by the return of back-rowers David Pocock and Rob Valetini for their clash with the Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

It could pave the way for former Wallaby Enever to return to what he believes is the most competitive position in Australian rugby – the second row – after a one-game stint at blindside flanker.

It is certainly one of the most hotly contested positions in Canberra with Enever locked in a four-way battle with Sam Carter and twin towers Richie and Rory Arnold for game time.

Advertisement

Enever missed out on a pre-Test series camp with Brumbies stars Pocock, Arnold, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani and Joe Powell all on Cheika's radar.

But he isn't giving up on a Wallabies call-up as he looks to put his hand up with a strong showing for the Brumbies in a must-win clash against the Rebels.

"I think so [it is the most competitive position in Australian rugby], theres a lot of good players getting around," Enever said.

"There is [Rebels captain Adam] Coleman down in Melbourne and Rory [Arnold] has been playing really well for us, so I think there are a fair few positions that have been pretty hotly contested this year.

"Theres not too many players out there than you could nail down and say theyre going to be in the Wallabies, so I think its going to be pretty interesting.

"Its good for the boys who are getting some good minutes and everyone is putting their hand up.

"You cant really control [Wallabies] selections and things like that. As they always say youve just got to play your best footy when you get your opportunity to and thats all I can do.

Blake Enever

"Im not too stressed at the moment, Im just trying to focus on my job at the moment and Im just doing that."

The Brumbies are trying get their season back on track against the Rebels and avoid three straight losses at home for the first seven years.

They sit fourth in the Australian conference and 14th overall and another loss would be a damaging blow to the Brumbies' hopes of a sixth consecutive finals appearance.

It looms as a crucial clash for both sides – the Brumbies are fighting to keep their season from flat-lining, while the Rebels sans Will Genia are looking to stay in touch with conference leaders NSW.

"I think its pretty important that we knock off another Aussie team, especially the Rebels, they havent been going as well of late. It will be really good to get us on track towards the end of the season," Enever said.

"Ive been pretty happy with how things have been going over the past couple of months. I obviously had the opportunity to play at six on the weekend just past which was enjoyable.

"Im just trying to play the best footy I can with the opportunity I am given. Im just pretty happy to be in the team and getting good minutes, thats the only thing I can ask for.

"Ill put my hand up to play either [back-row or second-row], theyre both enjoyable. Id love to have another crack at six and to play in the row that would be great as well. Either or, Im just happy to be playing."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 13

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Comments disabled

Caden Helmers

Caden Helmers is a sports reporter for The Canberra Times

Eamonn Tiernan

Eamonn Tiernan is a sports reporter with The Canberra Times

Morning & Afternoon Newsletter

Delivered Mon–Fri.

Related Articles

Back to top button