Leni Ikitau - Brumbies Lucky No.13

He's only 20 years of age stands 5'11 and weighs a mere 90kgs but found himself jolted into the Super Rugby on Saturday night. And of all teams, not that there are any easy teams in the Super Rugby, young Ikitau found himself face to face with Ma'a Nonu, arguably the best All Blacks' centre period.

Tevita Kuridrani was all but ready to face the Auckland Blues come Saturday, but fate had already planned out a destiny for talented young pup Leni Ikitau. Ikitau had already earned himself a name in the Australian u20's, the NRC and the local Canberra rugby circuit but yet to be inducted into the Super Rugby. Ikitau was only called into the side on Thursday as a late replacement for Brumbies and Wallabies no.13 Tevita Kuridrani. He'd been training with the starting 15 since Tuesday after Kuridrani pulled up with an injury. However, Ikitau just thought he was filling in for Kuridrani temporarily while he was resting up for the weekend.

It appears it was a bit of a blur on Thursday after he was told that he was playing. Ikitau wasn't expected to be named in the squad let alone the starting side. On Friday, the club hit him with another surprise, they flew his parents down to Canberra to present him with his no.13 playing jersey during jersey presentation. 

"Having my parents present my jersey was one of the best feelings being able to share it with my mum and dad who have supported me every step of the way. I was over the moon and just excited to play my first game of super rugby."

Support from his family came in thick and fast from all over the place, including family he had never heard of wishing their young blood the best of luck and blessings as he was about to embark on his very first Super Rugby game of many to come representing the Ikitau clan.

As expected Leni's mother Epenesa Ikitau couldn't contain her excitement and pride. Her thoughts on Leni's debut reflected this. 

"It was awesome. This is my mother's day present. I'm so happy and so glad he could play tonight. I didn't expect this so I'm so proud of him. He didn't tell me he was in the squad, I just found out yesterday."

More poignant was her words of advice to Leni before the game. "Son, this is your chance. Go hard and then you'll be alright!"

Come game day Ikitau had a lot going on. Mixed thoughts were no doubt teasing his emotions, shifting between frenzied excitement and fear, and confidence and doubt. Remember the shapes, get the calls right, keep the General happy, look for Henry, need to read Simone's body language, follow Banks, don't over think how I'm going to play Ma'a Nonu, I'm good, I'm ready... 

There's a lot of noise that can get in the way before a big gig, whether it's your first Super Rugby game, a business pitch, a performance, an interview or anything that you've been building up to and waited a long time for. Mental strength and your ability to quieten all that noise and remain focused is something that you develop as you grow as a person. Leni was "pretty calm and relaxed" leading up to the game but his amygdala kicked into overdrive once he hit the change rooms.

"When I got into the changing room the nerves started kicking in. I knew it was going to be a tough game but I wanted to focus on my job and do the best for the team."

During the game any other outside centre couldn't have done a better job. His footwork into contact showed his class. His carries were purposeful and had punch to it, while his defensive work in the backline solid. His kicking game was quality on the night and something the Brumbies don't normally get from their no.13. And as for facing up against the AB's best no.12 Ma'a Nonu,

"Yeah I guess I looked up to Ma’a and I always knew what Ma’a was going to bring to the field. Ma’a is an excellent player and you can’t take that away from him." Said a humble and respectful Ikitau after the Brumbies beat the Blues 26-21.

Ikitau is a learned player though and has analysed his own game in the hope of improving on some areas if given another opportunity.

"I guess I feel like I could have got into the game a bit more (getting my hand on the ball more) but i feel like my footwork into contact helped me a lot. I’m still learning and trying to get better everyday."

Leni's mother was just happy to watch him play "It was awesome. He played good tonight. 10 out of 10."

Leni is with the Brumbies on a Wider Contract which means they'll need to work quickly to secure him for their future plans. This was his first game, but it's obvious that Leni's a class act who at just 20 years of age offers the Brumbies and the Wallabies an optimistic future. He's keen to continue playing at the Brumbies and has settled in amongst all the boys including the other poly boys. 

"Yeah we have a tight group at the Brumbies, we all get along pretty well. Yeah it’s good to have heaps of poly boys in the team just makes everything a lot easier, lots of jokers too such as Lausi and Allan."

The Brumbies are now equal top of the Australian conference ladder, but it's a tight race for the top four teams in securing a spot in the quarter finals. With six rounds to go there's little room for error, defensive lapses and dropped games. Ikitau's shotgun baptism into the Super Rugby couldn't have come at a better time for the Brumbies.