1
Emotions running high for Samu Kerevi ahead of Fiji clash
By Online Editors
Wallabies game-breaker Samu Kerevi says his biggest personal challenge could come before kickoff if he tries to suppress his emotions on Rugby World Cup debut.
Kerevi will face his native Fiji for the first time at the Sapporo Dome on Saturday and said staring down the opposition's Cibi war dance will be a stirring personal moment.
The Wallabies will want him to refocus quickly on their opening pool match, with the 25-year-old arguably the best player in Australia this year and the man most likely to create havoc for the Fijian defence.
Kerevi said he would have no point to prove against his countrymen and suspected Fijian-born Wallabies teammates Marika Koroibete and Isi Naisarani felt the same.
Instead the match served to highlight where their life and allegiances now lie.
"It's not about trying to get one up on anyone," he said.
"It's about trying to put our best foot forward for our team, for our nation and especially for us, the Fijian Australians.
"It will be a rollercoaster of emotions before the game but once the kick-off starts it's all about our rugby."
Kerevi, who hails from the small village of Viseisei, insists his family will be supporting the Wallabies.
They have a "whole day programme" prepared ahead of kickoff, featuring breakfast followed by a barbecue.
"I know everyone in Fiji has been excited, everyone has been talking about it back home," he said.
"The whole family is coming to watch the game, and they are really backing the Fijians in our team."
Kerevi confirmed his Japan-based older brother Josua had helped the Fiji team prepare this week but joked that he hadn't been passed any secrets.
The tournament is potentially a farewell to the green and gold jersey for Kerevi, who has signed a three-year deal to play in Japan at the peak of his powers.
AAP
Tonga | Road To Japan Trailer:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
I think we need to get innovative with the new laws.
Now red cards are only 20 minutes, Razor should send Finau on a head hunting mission to hospitalise their 10 with a shoulder to the chops.
Give the conspiracy theorists a win.
Go to commentsEngland played well enough to win but couldnt score when they needed to and couldnt defend a couple of X-Factor moments from Telea which was ultimately the difference. They needed to hold the ball more and make the AB's make more tackles. Territorially they were good for the first 60. Defending their lead and playing pragmatic rugby in the last 20 was silly. The AB's always had the potential to come back. England still have a long way to go, definite progress would have been shown had they won but it seems they are still stuck where they were shortly after the six nations and their tour to NZ
Go to comments