
Force trio named in Wallabies camp
After standout performances during our return season in Super Rugby AU, Brynard Stander, Kyle Godwin and Feleti Kaitu’u have been invited to join a training camp this week in NSW by new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
Godwin makes his return to the Wallabies frame after earning a cap in 2016 against France, while this is an exciting and well-earned first for Stander and Kaitu’u.
The camp, which will see the Force trio joined by selected NSW Waratahs players at the club’s facilities in Daceyville (Sydney), allows Rennie to work with the group before naming the full squad on September 19 for the upcoming Bledisloe series and Rugby Championship.
Since re-joining the Force earlier this year for the Super Rugby AU season, Godwin has been a consistent and reliable figure. The versatile back’s class at both ends of the field saw the 28-year-old named in the Rugby.com.au Team of the Week on back-to-back occasions in Rounds 7 and 8.
Having tasted plenty of Super Rugby with the Force before, Stander made the transition back to the competition seamlessly with a number of signature powerful displays. With two tries, 195 metres gained, 70 tackles and a massive 56 carries to his name, it’s no surprise to see the South African-born Force stalwart among Wallabies selection discussion after gaining his citizenship.
The future is bright for young Kaitu’u. At only 25, the hard-running dynamic hooker has shown maturity beyond his years this season. Having represented Australia at Schoolboy level in 2011 and U20’s in 2014, it’s great to see him earn another opportunity at the international level.
The Bledisloe opener is planned to take place on October 10 with a second test on October 17, with Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby working towards these dates with venues to be confirmed.