Brumbies winger James Dargaville is trying to cement his spot in one of the most intimidating Super Rugby back lines but the youngster is thriving on the challenge.
With a host of Wallabies in their outside back ranks, Dargaville knows he has a tough task ahead but the 23-year-old simply wants to be ready for any chance that comes his way.
“It’s a matter of being ready for my opportunities when they come, as cliché as that sounds,” he said.
“It’s such a good team and a particularly good backline so it’s just wherever I can fit in.
“I’ll do my role the best that I can and hopefully play well when I do get opportunities.”
Dargaville, who earned 12 caps for the Brumbies in his debut season, said the quality of players around him would only spur him on.
“It helps you as a player because you can see where they’re at and what you can improve on to get to the level they’re at,” he said.
“Just as a player as well it makes you better playing with better players.
“Just being involved is good."
Competition is a focus of the Brumbies in 2016 and Dargaville said that would extend well beyond the 80 weekend minutes where points are up for grabs
“Just being super competitive in everything we do,” he said.
“Whether we’re training or just playing random games, we’re going out there and trying to win. Hopefully that can translate into the (Super Rugby) games.”
The Brumbies are keeping a simple focus in everything they do, including their approach to the new Super Rugby structure.
Dargaville hasn’t quite got his head around the new format, despite having watched an explanatory video, but said concentrating on winning every single game would render any quirks irrelevant.
“It is convoluted so you really need to just step up every week and put your best performance on the paddock,” he said.
“If that’s good enough then you’ll be in the right place at the end of the year,” he said.
The Brumbies play their first trial on February 6 against the Waratahs in Wagga, before opening their Super Rugby season on February 26 against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium.
