Wallabies backrow deemed “Lucky” following hit on Aaron Smith

Wallabies’ backrow Rob Valetini is having a game for the ages in the first instalment of the 2023 Bledisloe Cup.

Having already scored a try, the 24-year-old Brumbies star has been everywhere in both attack and defence.

Cleaning up All Blacks kicks whilst disrupting their ruck, Valetini has been the Australian’s best player by quite some distance so far.

One incident that has caused a bit of a stir, however, was his hit on All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith.

Having clearly picked up the ball, Smith was effectively a live target and as such, Valetini was allowed to hit him.

The debate around the hit has been centred around two key points, the first of which was whether he was onside.

Secondly and perhaps more importantly was did his shoulder contact with Smith’s head warrant another look?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Thoughts on Rob Valetini’s hit on Aaron Smith?

Well-timed or a lucky escape?#Bledisloe #RugbyChampionship #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/3UQNsoA4j5

— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) July 29, 2023