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'I had no offer from any clubs, I was close to joining the army': Australia's rugby rejects set to shine for Japan
Unwanted in Australia and on the verge of giving rugby away three years ago, Ben Gunter is now poised to realise a child dream and take on the British and Irish Lions.
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Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says Gunter and fellow former Brisbane schoolboy Jack Cornelsen are two that got away from Australian rugby after helping the pair gain selection in the Japan’s test squad.
Fresh off starring in Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights’ Top League final triumph on Sunday, Gunter and Cornelsen are among 36 hopefuls in the Brave Blossoms squad preparing to tackle the Lions in two tests in Britain next month.
Gunter said he and Cornelsen “both started laughing” when named by coach Jamie Joseph on Monday.
“We couldn’t believe that 10 years ago, when I’m a little kid, all I wanted to do was just watch them live,” Gunter said from Japan.
“So to be able to, potentially, be on the field or even go there and be part of the team that’s playing the Lions, I don’t think words can really describe how happy [I am] and what a feeling that is for a young player like me from a little town, from Gunnedah, to be in this position.
“A couple of years ago when I finished high school in Australia and I had no option, I had no offer from any clubs, I was close to joining the army.
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“Then obviously Robbie and Panasonic came knocking on the door and they gave me a chance. They believed in me.”
The flanker was enormous, Jerome Kaino-like, in Sunday’s 31-26 win over Suntory Sungoliath.
Deans says there’s “no doubt Benny would be the frame” for a Wallabies jersey if he was in Australia.
But just not if he’d have stayed in Australia instead of taking a punt in Japan.
“The door may not have opened for him to get the development that he’s had here,” Deans said.
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“So he got access to something and he took advantage of it.
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“He chose a path that has provided that opportunity and I think you’ll see when he does pull on the Japanese jersey, hopefully against the Lions, you’ll come to see what we all have seen and understand.
“He’ll be more than competitive at that level.”
So, too, Cornelsen, the son of former test legend Greg who famously scored four tries for the Wallabies against the All Blacks at Eden Park in 1978.
“He’s an international ready to go,” Deans said.
“His development has been steady and obviously coming over here allowed him to do that at a rate that I don’t think there would have been the patience for him domestically [from Australia’s Super Rugby clubs] just in terms of his physique.
“But he’s grown into a player that’s equipped for that level now.
“He’s got some good genetics, obviously, some good DNA – son of Greg combined with a bit of Kiwi – it’s a good blend and he’ll turn a few heads.”
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Incumbent Wallabies coach Dave Rennie fears many more Australian players will be lost to cashed-up Japanese sides.
But Gunter, 23, and Cornelsen, 26, are living proof it’s not just seasoned test stars in their career twilight like Will Genia, Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley following the yen.
Gunter believes Cornelsen, who stands almost two metres tall and can play five positions in the forward pack, will be a sensation for the Brave Blossoms.
“I’ve never played with someone who just works as much as he does. He’s just everywhere – attack, defence, set piece,” Gunter said.
“And the fact that he can play anywhere between four and eight, that’s a very unique skill set, and he’ll bring a lot of energy and just passion as well.
“I love playing with a guy like that because it obviously makes me want to play better and makes me want to work harder and just try to keep up with him.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments