A gutted Pete Samu says he is using his World Cup omission as extra motivation to force his way back into the Test team after a shock selection call.
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Samu will be preparing to help the Canberra Vikings chase a home National Rugby Championship final this weekend instead of being with the Wallabies in Japan.
The versatile back-rower became the forgotten man of the Wallabies' build up to the World Cup, overlooked for all Tests this year and missing the final selection cut.
He has been so forgotten it's understood he was given minimal feedback by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, despite the Test mentor luring Samu back to Australian rugby last year.
Samu has been on the Wallabies outer since he attended a family wedding at the same time as a team camp earlier this year.
But he was the form back-rower of Australian rugby at the back end of the Super Rugby season before injuring his hamstring in the ACT Brumbies' finals run.
The rollercoaster selection ride has lit the fuse for Samu's Test ambitions, vowing to put himself back in Wallabies contention next year.
"I was gutted," Samu said of World Cup selection. "I guess that's footy. I've had chats with [Brumbies coach Dan McKellar], but I've had to push it aside to focus on the NRC.
RUGBY NEWS
"I think it gives me a bit more motivation to try to get back into the squad. I'm really looking forward to next season and hopefully I can pull on the green and gold jersey again."
The Vikings have been the main beneficiaries of World Cup omissions, unexpectedly getting Samu, Toni Pulu and Tom Banks to boost their title hopes.
The Vikings will play NSW Country in the last game of the regular season on Friday night, with the winner to secure a home semi-final next week.
"Coming off a good win last week, the boys have a bit of confidence and we'll look to get a result and hopefully a home semi this week," Samu said.
"I've tried to let the young boys do their thing, hang in the background and let them go."
NRC ROUND SEVEN
Friday: Canberra Vikings v NSW Country at Viking Park, 6pm.