Super Rugby
Rebels rake Pat Leafa eyeing Wallabies jumper
February 4, 2015
Rebels have improved playmaking depth
Related Links

Pat Leafa has set his sights beyond nailing down the Melbourne Rebels hooker's jersey for the coming Super Rugby season; that's his first priority, but he also has ambitions to wear the Wallabies No.2 shirt after becoming eligible in January.

Test veterans like Stephen Moore and Saia Fainga'a are each nearing the end of their career, and Auckland-born Leafa, 25, "became eligible two weeks ago so I'll be definitely pushing for selection this year".

"I had a really big year last year and playing your first full year of Super is pretty tough, but I'll take those experiences and start pushing even more."

But Leafa is focused first on the Rebels, who complete their pre-season with a clash with the Highlanders at a suburban Melbourne ground on Thursday night.

He shared the starting role last year with Shota Horie, but the Japanese Test hooker won't return to Melbourne after requiring neck surgery. Competition now comes from Melbourne-born Irishman Tom Sexton as well as former Western Force rake Ben Whittaker, whom the Rebels signed last week.

"It's a big loss with Shota not returning and there's some big shoes to fill, but he's taught me a lot and I'm capable and confident that I can carry out my job," Leafa said. "Nothing comes easy but I have full confidence in myself that I can earn the starting spot. There's some healthy competition going on with a lot of boys pushing for spots and that includes hookers."

The Highlanders will be looking to make it three from three, having beaten the Crusaders 29-26 in Timaru and the Brumbies 24-19 in Wagga Wagga. The Rebels won their first pre-season match against Queensland in Cairns 28-13.

© AAP

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices