Hooker Anaru Rangi is hoping to remind Wallabies selectors that age is just a number as he looks to steer the Melbourne Rebels to Super Rugby victory against the Lions at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Rangi has been at his barnstorming best this season and was integral in the Rebels’ first ever win in Dunedin over the Highlanders last round.
But his consistency hasn’t borne any fruit at Test level, with some considering a 31-year-old as past his prime.
The New Zealand-born rake says he only made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 and he’s hoping incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie looks past the numbers on his birth certificate.
On the Test front he’s up against Melbourne teammate Jordan Uelese, Alex Mafi and Folau Fainga’a.
“My playing age is only like five years in the system,” Rangi told AAP.
“My body still feels great and I’m still able to keep up with some of the younger guys out there.
“I just try and play well for the Rebels each week and what happens after that will happen.
“All I can hope is that form is what selectors are looking for and if I can produce that each week I can’t see why I wouldn’t be in with a shot.”
Rangi has World Cup hooker Uelese back to full fitness and nipping at his heels at the Rebels but said it was the best thing for his game.
“He keeps me on my toes – he’s a great talent and he’s constantly driving me to perform better,” he said.
For the first time since 2015 the Rebels have been able to name the same squad as the one which beat the Highlanders, which they see as a big advantage as they look to build some consistency in their performances.
A win will see them square the ledger at three and three before next week’s bye.
“The way the team performed last week … we connected really well together so it’s a good reward to get another run this week,” Rangi said.
“We showed a lot of intensity straight off the first whistle and we seemed to click.”
Last season in Johannesburg, Melbourne led for much of the game before stumbling at the end.
The Lions have only managed one win for the season but Rangi expected a tough encounter.
“The Lions are a big, confrontational team and we have to match that,” he said.
