If there’s one thing about rugby Pesi Palu loves, it’s the collision.
The four-cap Wallaroo has a healthy reputation for tough carries and big hits in her dual role as Brumbies Super W skipper and midfield weapon.
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But few outside the national squad would’ve expected to see Palu donning the number six jersey during last week’s WXV1 opener against England.
Speaking with rugby.com.au, Palu revealed while the plan had been enacted by coaching staff during Australia’s Pacific Four campaign, her own journey to the blindside spanned more than two years.
“My involvement within the team this past two years has been quite hard. I’ve been in the (national) squads … but unfortunately wasn’t able to get the call to play in those Test matches,” Palu said.
“This was my personal approach to say “how can I, with my skill set, benefit this team?,” So that’s where the chats began in terms of getting me to move into the back row.
“I was in this role for the last Laurie O’Reilly camp, so those that are in front of me and those who’ve been in those positions before me actually helped me transition as well as the coaches.”
Leading into the England Test, Wallaroos assistant coach Scott Fava tipped Palu to hit the ground running as a flanker.
There’s plenty of green shoots from her 49-minute stint - the 27-year-old was Australia’s third highest tackler (13, including two dominant hits) and made six carries in tight.
“I love the physicality of the game, I love being more involved and being in that close space allows me to execute some of those skills that I have,” Palu told rugby.com.au.
“I genuinely enjoy it, I love the collision, I love the work at the breakdown. Credit to the forwards, I didn’t realise how technical and how difficult it could be.
“As a back, you’re there just looking pretty with your hair all tied up so it’s nice to get in there and do all the dirty work.”
Palu appears likely to retain a berth in the matchday 23 following Annabelle Codey’s one-week suspension, with the likes of Sera Naiqama, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan and incumbent number eight Kaitlan Leaney able to cover lock.
Brumbies backrower Tabua Tuinakauvadra is another forward yet to be called upon with backline options Lori Cramer, Jasmin Huriwai, Trilleen Pomare and uncapped Melanie Wilks also waiting in the wings.
Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning will announce his squad for France on Thursday.
