Sio shrugs off injury concerns

Wallabies prop Scott Sio claims he has no injury worries and is determined to retain his starting spot for the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand. 

Sio had his knee heavily strapped at a Tuesday training session in Cessnock, where the Wallabies are currently preparing for the Rugby Championship with a training camp.

Despite this, he claims he will be match fit for the August 19th test in Sydney.

One of Australia’s best players at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Sio has since struggled with hamstring and knee injuries that have hindered his test and Super Rugby careers.

He knocked his left knee in the Brumbies’ quarter-final loss to the Hurricanes and is now doing whatever he can to ensure he remains injury-free.

“I feel good,” Sio told AAP.

“This is the one I got against the Hurricanes. I’ve been working pretty hard with the medical team to stay on top of it.

“Obviously, I went through a major one with my right knee and I’ve seen the after-effects of that, so I just want to make sure I stay on top of that with my left one.”

Sio had a successful Super Rugby season and will be eager to ensure he holds onto the number jersey for the Wallabies. This is not guaranteed as competition for places in the starting XV is always there.

“Everyone plays to start. That’s the ultimate goal for every rugby player – to start for your country,” he said.

“It’s been great to string a few games together. Obviously, I had an interrupted year with the ‘hammy’ tear early in the year and then only four games in and doing my knee.

“But … you’ve got to make sure you’re doing the right things here at training and ticking all the boxes that they want to see from you in your position and what you can bring individually to the game plan.”

Meanwhile, uncapped utility back Curtis Rona wants to get a crack at the All Blacks after being called up to the national team for the first time since switching from Canterbury NRL club earlier this year.

The New Zealand-born Western Force star says he’ll play anywhere he is needed.

“On the wing or in the centres, just for the opportunity, I’d take it with both hands,” said 25-year-old Rona.

“It’s been an awesome experience. The boys have been more than welcoming and the coaching staff have been great and I’ve been learning along the way and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”