Peter Kimlin

CA Brumbies lock/back-rower Peter Kimlin has been a starting member for Australia A in each of their Pacific Nations Cup fixtures over the pas month. On Sunday the two undefeated sides – Australia A and the New Zealand Maoris – meet at the Sydney Football Stadium in a match that will decide who lifts the Pacific Nations Cup in 2008. Brumby Jack caught up with ‘Kimmo’ in camp for Australia A.

Brumby Jack: What’s it been like being part of your first senior Australian representative side?
Peter Kimlin: It’s obviously always an honour to represent your country and it’s something I haven’t done since the Under 19’s. It was great to put the green and gold jersey on and sing the anthem. I’ve really enjoyed being part of a different group and working off some different players and learning about their different thoughts on the game. It’s been a great experience.

BJ: Have you been pleased with your own form in holding down a starting position in each match?
PK: Starting in each match has been great and I’ve been quite pleased with the consistency of my game – hopefully the coaches have been too. I just want to get out there and continue the run against the New Zealand Maoris this weekend.

BJ: How enjoyable has it been crossing the try line a few times with a double in your first match against Japan?
PK: It certainly helps – it’s always enjoyable when you’re scoring a try for your country.

BJ: Have there been any specific skills or qualities that you’ve picked up in camp that you think will benefit your game in the Investec Super 14?
PK: I think I’ve gained a bit more confidence in myself and I think I’ve improved as a rugby player purely on the increased amount of game time I’ve received. Having played all Super 14 games this year and now getting regular time at this international level, I think it’ll show in the pressure situations when I’ll be able to approach it calmly rather than get anxious about it as I might have at the beginning of the season. But I still know I’ve got a long way to go to be performing consistently well at this level.

BJ: You play the New Zealand Maori side this weekend; what’s the feeling like prior to this game and what are you expecting from the Maori side?
PK: We know this game’s going to be a big one – it’s like playing a Super 14 game as all their players playing in the Super 14. It’ll be a very physical game and they play a similar structured game to us. The coaching staff have given us a fairly light week this week and put the focus on us to analyse their game in preparation for Sunday’s game.