Palu rejected Clermont offer

At a time when players in both rugby codes were following the lure of big money to Europe, Wallabies number eight Wycliff Palu rejected an offer to play in France.

At a time when players in both rugby codes were following the lure of big money to Europe, Wallabies number eight Wycliff Palu rejected an offer to play in France.

The Waratahs star was renegotiating his contract with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and New South Wales (NSW) when he received a lucrative offer to play for French club Clermont – this year's losing finalists in the Top 14 tournament.

However the 25-year-old rejected the two to three-year deal on the basis that he had not yet achieved all of his goals in Australia.

“Clermont approached me at the start of the year,” Palu told the Australian.

“I was in negotiation and stuff. They approached my manager and made an offer.

“I took it pretty seriously. It was good money. A pretty good deal. I had just started to make a name for myself. I didn't want to go overseas and come back again. If I do go, I won't come back. It was too early in my career. I didn't want to have any regrets.”

Palu's decision to stay Down Under now allows him to build on his 19 Test caps and cement his position as the country's first-choice number eight.

But he was quiet in the Wallabies' 18-12 win against Ireland in Melbourne and went off with a neck injury in the 34-13 win against France in Sydney, forcing him to miss the 40-10 win against Les Bleus in Brisbane.

“My main goal is just to make the number eight jersey my own,” said Palu.

“In the first two Tests this year (against Ireland and France), I was given an opportunity, but I didn't play as well as I could have. It's still up in the air.

“Hopefully after the Tri-Nations I'll make the number eight jersey my own.”

Since making his Wallabies debut against England in 2006, Palu has set the rugby world alight with his devastating runs with ball in hand and ferocious tackling.

Palu enjoyed his best Super 14 season with the Waratahs this year, playing a huge role in taking the Sydney-based franchise to the final where they lost to the Crusaders.

“I want to take my Waratahs form into the Aussie team,” Palu said.

“There is a big difference between Super 14 and Test rugby. Little things mean a lot. You can't afford to make mistakes or you will get punished. Also the pressure you are under.”

The new style of play implemented by coach Robbie Deans should suit Palu's game.

“It's good. I'm really enjoying it,” he said.

“A lot of the boys are, too. Play what is in front of you, bring to the table what you do best. But you have to do all the hard work first.”

Palu has been cleared to play against the Springboks in Perth on Saturday week and will turn out for Manly against West Harbour at Manly Oval on Saturday to improve his match fitness.

“I could have played (against France last Saturday) if it was a World Cup final,” Palu said.

“I'm playing half a game with Manly this weekend. Club rugby is good with the new laws. I'll be ready for South Africa.

“George Smith (Wallabies openside flanker) will play twelve (for Manly). I might play ten. Dummy and go.”

Like everyone who has seen the Springboks' 19-8 loss to the All Blacks last Saturday, Palu was struck by the physicality and intensity of the contest.

But he was confident the Wallabies forwards would match the powerful Springboks pack.

“I caught a bit of the first half,” Palu said.

“It was a pretty physical game. The intensity was the main thing. It will be a step up from France.”

Palu and Smith, who came off the bench against France, are expected to rejoin blindside flanker Rocky Elsom in the Wallabies' backrow against the Springboks.

The battle at the breakdown against South Africa's loose trio of Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Joe van Niekerk – should they play – is expected to be physical one.

“We'll go well against their back row,” said Palu.

“In the Super 14, all the Australian sides went well under the new laws. All the boys are looking forward to it.”

Palu, who is contracted until 2010, is yet to commit himself to the Wallabies' World Cup campaign in New Zealand in 2011.

“At the moment I'm just trying to focus on now,” Palu said.

“I want to play good rugby with the Wallabies.”