In Valetini’s absence, the Lions back row Tom Curry, Tadgh Beirne and Jack Conan ran amok at the Suncorp Stadium, but the Brumbies loose forward says he doesn’t feel any extra pressure on his shoulders to lead the Wallabies’ backlash this weekend.
“I don’t really feel pressure or anything. I feel like it is another game of rugby and something I have been playing since I was young,” Valetini, 26, said.
“I just try and go out there and do my job – carrying, tackling – and doing my bit for the team.
“It was hard to miss the last two games but the hunger for the jersey is right up there.”
However, experienced prop James Slipper says the Wallabies aren’t shying away from the magnitude of Saturday’s game, which will be played at the iconic 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground.