 Contender ... Brando Va`aulu is in fine form for Queensland. Peter Wallis |
WHAT was once a weakness is soon to become a pleasing selection headache for Queensland coach Phil Mooney.Digby Ioane is ready to return from a fractured finger for the team`s final away game of the Super 14 season next Saturday against the Chiefs.
Yet he is no certain inclusion following robust efforts from wingers Brando Va`aulu and Peter Hynes against Western Force.
Lack of genuine class in the outside backs has been a problem in recent seasons for Queensland, but Mooney and his assistant Damon Emtage have unearthed some depth.
Specifically, they have found a way to get the best from 21-year-old Va`aulu, who stood up to Australia winger Drew Mitchell.
"Brando`s very much a confidence person," Emtage said. "He had his moments last year but it would be fair to say he`s blossoming now into his own player.
"We see a lot of Digby in Brando: very evasive on his feet, very confident.
"He`ll certainly pose a big selection question for us going forward."
Va`aulu scored a try double against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and, along with Hynes, showed composure while fullback Clinton Schifcofske was in the sin bin on Friday night.
Early in the game he tried to chip his way past Mitchell, but grew in stature with every touch, tackle and collision."
The Reds seem certain to miss out on rising lock Tom Hockings, who will reject an offer to return home to Queensland to stay with the Force and continue to forge a partnership with Wallabies second-rower Nathan Sharpe.
The Reds will hold talks this week with Force teenagers Dave Pocock and James O`Connor.
The Sunday Mail (Qld)
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