Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has challenged Toni Pulu to use Super Rugby form to launch his test ambitions as one of the quickest players in the competition prepares for a Hamilton homecoming.
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Pulu is set to play his first game of the season this weekend after an ankle problem delayed the start to his 2020 campaign.
The Brumbies will finalise their team before flying to New Zealand on Thursday, with Pulu set to be added to the bench as illness continues to cause havoc for coach Dan McKellar.
If picked it will be Pulu's first time playing against the Waikato Chiefs after Rennie gave him his opportunity in Hamilton four years ago.
Rennie described Pulu as the "fastest man in New Zealand rugby" in his debut season after he clocked 4.78 seconds for a 40 metre sprint.
Injuries have been the biggest hurdle for Pulu's rapid progress so far, fracturing his cheek in his first Brumbies game last year and battling ankle cartilage pain this year.
He came to Australia to chase the prospect of earning a Wallabies jersey, and Rennie's appointment as Test coach will certainly boost his chances. But only if he can stay on the field.
"TP's had a lot of injuries. The focus the moment is getting his body right and he can force his hand by the way he trains, then take an opportunity when he plays again," Rennie said.
"He's been a bit unlucky. First game last year he breaks his jaw and he's out for eight weeks.
"But there's genuine competition out wide, there are some great options in [Australian rugby] for the back three. It will be a good challenge for all of them."
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Pulu, who played his first Super Rugby game as a 26-year-old, has endured a rollercoaster four years so far.
He played 12 games in his rookie season under Rennie's guidance, dropped back to eight in 2017, 11 in 2017 and then 12 in his debut Brumbies campaign.
The 30-year-old played in a trial game this year, but has been struggling with pain in his ankle since the National Rugby Championship.
"It's just been a pain, I haven't been able to do things. I'm a fast, powerful athlete, so I need my ankles," Pulu said.
"It's just been niggly. I haven't been able to put too much pressure to it and every time I irritate it, it puts me back a few days.
"Hopefully it's all clear now. The last few weeks I've been able to get where I want to be fitness and speed wise. I've been happy with team practice this week, hopefully I get a chance this week and see what I can do for the boys."
Pulu's absence opened the door for Solomone Kata and Tom Wright to lock down wing spots in the opening three weeks, but overcoming another injury setback has put him in the selection frame.
The Brumbies will use him as an X-factor inclusion, which would give Pulu the chance to play against former Chiefs teammates.
"The Chiefs gave me my first opportunity ... But I'm not thinking about that. I'm just going there to compete," Pulu said.
"The longer I stay on the field, the better I'll get. This will be my first game back, so I'm not going out there to be flash. I just want to help the team get a win."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND FOUR
Saturday: Waikato Chiefs v ACT Brumbies at Hamilton, 5.05pm.