• Basketball Australia refers proposed rule changes to Fiba

• Idea aimed at delivering more highlights met with mixed reactions

The slam dunk has long been a staple of basketball, its biggest billboard, showcasing the athleticism and ferocity of its athletes. Now, some within the game want more.

The Australian men’s professional league, the NBL, has lodged a request with the sport’s rule-makers about trialling a way to deliver more of these highlights in a proposal that threatens to alter the game’s fine balance.

Rob Valetini filled in for skipper Harry Wilson at No 8 but Fraser McReight’s display will give Australia coach Les Kiss just as much food for thought

Rob Valetini bulldozed, barged through and brought the hammer down on home hopes in San Salvador de Jujuy during the Wallabies’ 27-21 win over Argentina, Australia’s fourth victory on the trot.

It was a rare start for Valetini, filling in for captain Harry Wilson in the gold No 8. The man they call Bobby V turns 28 this week and looks to be building towards his peak just in time for next year’s home World Cup. The person Valetini may have damaged more than anyone with his brutal performance, however, was the rested captain.