By Jonathan B Geddes

A FORMER World Cup Wallaby forward is making a big impact in the Shute Shield with his ultimate goal of returning to Super Rugby.

Powerful No.8 Isi Naisarani played 11 games for the Wallabies after making his Test debut in 2019. He started five Rugby World Cup games that season and was part of the squad that won the series against France in 2020.

He may now be 31–years–old, but continues to impress at Randwick, reminding Super teams – and opponents – what he is capable of. 

Naisarani was at his rampaging best for the 60 minutes he was on the field in last Saturday’s 22-21 loss to Warringah at Narrabeen.

He pulled off bone-crunching defence, reminiscent of the great Wallaby Cliffy Palu, and one of his strong runs set up Randwick’s first try for No.7 Wyatt Ballenger with a great offload.

“Everyone knows I am a shy boy and don’t talk much, let the action speak for itself,” Naisarini told Rugby News.

Randwick coach Shaun Berne – a former attack coach with the Wallabies, Force and Rebels – appreciates what an imposing presence Naisarini is.

“Isi is great,” Berne said. “I don’t know why professional clubs don’t look at him.

“I’d say the opposition coaches don’t want to face him, the opposition players don’t want to face him. So why would no one pick up Isi Naisarani?”

MISSION: POSSIBLE

THE 110kg 195cm forward has made it clear he wants to play Super Rugby again, nine seasons after his debut.

“That’s the goal, I know that I have been out of favour for a couple of years,” Naisarani said. “But I know nothing is impossible for me. 

“For myself, I want to get up there again if there is an opportunity for me out there, I will hold it with both hands.

“I still enjoy playing rugby. You can see I have been helping the boys out, playing good footy.”

 A SUPER CAREER 

COOGEE is the latest destination on what has been an amazing rugby journey for the Fijian-born forward.

Naisarani was named Australia’s best Super Rugby player in 2017 in his debut season at the Western Force.

He spent the following year at the Brumbies before joining the Rebels for three seasons. He then moved to Japan.

Naisarani played for the Force again in 2022, but injuries limited him to four games.

At the end of 2023, he was given a train-and-trial deal with the Waratahs by then-coach Darren Coleman.

A player like Naisarani is fantastic for the Shute Shield. It would be a great shame if the new eligibility rules are a roadblock for other players like him sharing their experience on the field with the premiership clubs.      

WICKS ON THE IMPROVE

RANDWICK have certainly kicked on since losing their first four games.

They subsequently beat the Two Blues and Sydney University before their one-point loss to the undefeated Warringah, when they lost two tighthead props during the match

“We are playing better, we are building momentum and we just have to keep working to do that,” Berne said. 

He said besides Naisarini, lock and skipper Angus Houston was leading well from the front and his brother and secondrow partner Xavier rips in each week as well.

Naisarini said Randwick was up for the challenge against Warringah on their home ground.

“We spoke about it being a physical and tough game against the defending champions, we need to man up and face them,” he said. “You could see the boys turned up, but unlucky, in the end, we didn’t finish the job.”

Randwick now sit in 10^th spot on the ladder on 15 points, but with a logjam of teams jostling for spots the top six, a place in the finals is still within reach
Uni are currently sixth with 18 points, followed by the Two Blues (16), Norths (16) and Manly (15).

On Saturday, the Wicks are at home to West Harbour in the club’s annual Juniors Day, with the chance to climb up the ladder.