1
Lealiifano poised for Super Rugby finals return
By Matthew Scott
Brumbies co-captain Christian Lealiifano is "ready to play" a Super Rugby fixture for the first time in almost a year after his cancer diagnosis.
The Wallaby back was diagnosed in August 2016, but revealed he was in remission in February this year after a bone-marrow transplant.
The Brumbies will play the Hurricanes in Friday's quarter-final, having topped the Australian Conference, but they are without a win against New Zealand opposition since a 52-10 victory over the Wellington club at the very start of last season.
With the odds stacked against him, coach Stephen Larkham does not view Lealiifano's possible return in Canberra as a risk, with a previous comeback delayed by a hamstring strain.
"It would be a gamble if I thought he wasn't right to play so we'll wait and make that assessment after we see how he trains," Larkham said.
"We'll name the team Tuesday but the way he's trained within the team over the last three months gives me a fair indication that he's ready to play."
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
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments