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150 cap Brumbies playmaker is bullish about goals: 'The fairytale isn't just to get there, it's to win it'
By Online Editors
Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano admits it wasn't so long ago he thought he'd never play again, let alone reach the 150 Super Rugby game milestone.
Lealiifano was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2016 and underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, before making a remarkable return for the Brumbies less than 12 months later.
The 19-Test Wallaby has been in career-best form this season and led the Brumbies to the Australian conference title.
Lealiifano hasn't played for the Wallabies since his diagnosis but the five-eighth's form could see him recalled for Australia's World Cup campaign in September.
He'll play in his second Super Rugby final and first since 2013 if the Brumbies win their semi-final against the Jaguares in Bunos Aires on Saturday morning (AEST).
Lealiifano is just the second Brumbies player to reach 150 games behind former Wallabies prop Ben Alexander (154), but the 31-year-old said it's no more special than every other game since he beat cancer.
"I haven’t thought about it too much. Obviously it’s really special but I don’t really know how to feel or explain it. It’s been a hell of a journey and this is just another exciting game," Lealiifano said.
"It’s special but every game after being back is special to me, so this adds to that and I’m still very grateful.
"There’s a lot of people that have gone into my journey, my family first and foremost, then all the players and coaches over the years.
"They’ve all had input in helping me fulfil my dreams and continue to try to be the best player I can be."
Lealiifano will retire from Super Rugby this year after 12 seasons at the Brumbies and he's still chasing his first Super Rugby title.
It would mark a fairytale finish if Lealiifano can deliver the Brumbies their first championship since 2004, before he departs for the Japan Top league .
"The fairytale isn’t just to get there, it’s to win it," Lealiifano said.
"But for now we’re just focused on getting there. It would be nice to finish on a high but there's plenty of work to do between now and then.
"Two more to go."
- AAP
Watch Christian Lealiifano discuss why he left the Brumbies:
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Latest Comments
I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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