Perhaps one of the best examples of why Les Kiss has the tools to spearhead a Wallabies revival can be witnessed in Seru Uru.
The giant flanker’s name was barely uttered on the international stage for much of his career, as he spent the past five years gaining 16 kilograms to take his physicality to a new level.
Since Kiss’ unveiling as the Queensland Reds coach in 2023, the 28-year-old has earned his maiden Test stripes and become one of the most difficult to contain men in Australian rugby.
Seru Uru is one of six Reds who have earned their maiden Wallabies caps since Les Kiss took over.Credit: Getty
He is one of six Reds to debut in the gold jersey under Kiss, while Liam Wright, Hunter Paisami and Harry Wilson garnered recalls following the diabolical 2023 World Cup campaign.
Aside from his bruising defence, Uru has developed a habit for the enigmatic – often providing offloads and late passes out the back for his strike weapons – while becoming an impressive supporting man in broken play.
His form – and his ability to cover lock – has him in a strong position to take on the British and Irish Lions this year, after Kiss’ encouragement to back his instincts inspired his career-best exploits.
“It was a dream to don that gold jersey, and the dream came true. It just boosted me to keep on striving for that gold jersey, and not to just leave it there,” Uru said ahead of his return to Fiji to take on the Drua on Saturday.
“We haven’t had any meeting announcing that Les would be announced as the Wallabies’ coach … [but] one of his major things is to back yourself, use your skills, and everything will open up.”
Kiss is expected to be officially named as Joe Schmidt’s successor on Wednesday, ending months of speculation after the latter announced in January he would be stepping down from the job.
So long has it dragged on, fans could be forgiven for fearing it would derail the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific ambitions. Quite the contrary, they are now on track for their first top-four finish since 2012 – excluding the two Super Rugby Australia campaigns in 2020-21.
Les Kiss is expected to be named as the next Wallabies coach.Credit: Getty Images
Kiss trusts his men to back themselves and play what’s in front of them, delivering wins against every New Zealand side (two away) – except the Hurricanes – while not taking a penalty goal all year.
Previously unheralded men Richie Asiata, Dre Pakeho, Joe Brial and John Bryant have become genuine starting options, while Tom Lynagh, Josh Flook, Massimo De Lutiis and Tim Ryan have burst onto the international radar.
Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Lukhan-Salakaia-Loto and Wilson also reportedly spurned lucrative interest overseas to remain in Australia, with the number of Wallabies in the Queensland squad now at 18 – excluding De Lutiis and midyear squad member Ryan Smith.
The trust in them has been felt by the playing group, and after experiencing a period of rebuild under Schmidt, will be central to guiding the nation back to World Cup contention.
“I think he’d be great, he’s done great things for this club, and I’m sure he’d do great things up there as well,” Reds captain and Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott said when asked how Kiss would handle the Wallabies job.
“You’ve seen guys like Timmy Ryan come through, young forwards like Joe Brial, and then experienced guys like Fraser and Wilso take their games to a whole other level.
“He’s just a really good person, and that’s super important, particularly with the younger profile of our squad, being a good people person and also having that blend of being an experienced coach is really important.”
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