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Wallabies star reveals how COVID-19 'has been a blessing in disguise' ahead of Bledisloe Cup clash
By AAP
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto feels the upside of coronavirus is the fast-tracking of the Wallabies' new culture under coach Dave Rennie.
And he's counting on that translating to the field in Wellington in Sunday's opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.
Kiwi Rennie, who replaced Michael Cheika, has invested heavily in creating tight connections within the group, with Wallabies players learning more about the traditions and values of their teammates.
"COVID has been a blessing in disguise for us to really gel," the Queensland loose forward said.
"We're such a multicultural group and maybe in the past we haven't really understood one another was well as we should have so he's (Rennie) worked hard in getting this group to bond and understand each other and make it a level playing field where everyone can speak up.
"The tighter you are off the park the harder you're going to work for each other and the effort we put in for each other on the field is going to be much stronger.
"Off the field is such a important part of results and gelling as a team.
"You still have to go out and perform but it's good to be so close - good signs for us."
Preparing in a quarantine bubble in Christchurch, the players are together almost 24-7 and have been seen online singing and playing games and Salakaia-Loto said there was a lot of energy and excitement within the group.
With new coaches, including Ian Foster at the helm of New Zealand, and coming off domestic competitions, there's a sense of mystery about Sunday's battle.
"Whether you've played 100 tests or no tests, if you get selected you've proven yourself worthy enough to throw your respective countries' jersey on.
"You're there for a reason and people have backed you.
"We are preparing for a strong All Blacks outfit and that doesn't change if you're playing for the first time."
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Latest Comments
It is extremely telling that in last year's U20 Tournaments - Georgia played in the Tier 1 comp vs. Scotland (who won and will be promoted to T1 in 2025), who played in the Tier 2 comp.
When you exclude the imports/parents/grandparents rules, I think that accurately reflects the true strength of the two nations' rugby.
The question is whether it is healthy that we have effectively allowed historically strong nations to effectively game the system via their inherent ability to recruit via overseas players basis.
But then, on the other hand, it makes it challenging for developing nations to develop, e.g. how can Georgia compete on the global stage when likes of Scotland can block their ability to access comps like the six nations when it is probably unjustified based upon the actual playing strength of the two nations.
I guess that's the challenge/quandary for World Rugby.
Go to commentsI'm sure I'm overlooking significant pieces of the picture, but Bristol probably have some of the highest gate receipts in the Prem. and one of the smallest squads, so reporting such a large loss is pretty alarming.
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