Monday’s rugby news has rugby community supporting Christian Lealiifano, Wallabies to change it up, perfect start for Aussie women’s sevens team in Rio and Samu Kerevi receives his Australian citizenship.
[one_half last=”no”]
Support for Lealiifano
Support from the Rugby community has flown for Christian Lealiifano following the news that he has been diagnosed with leukaemia.
The likes of Tim Horan, James Horwill, Andy Friend, Liam Messam, David Pocock and Matt Giteau are just some of the people who have expressed their support for Lealiifano via social media.
“Really tough 24 hours trying to come to terms with news about Christian. One of the most respected and loved players I’ve played alongside. I know he’ll be strong through this and Brumbies family will be supporting him and his family however we can,” Pocock tweeted.
Sevens coach Andy Friend tweeted: “Just finished marching in Opening Ceremony & received the news on @CLealiifano. My night doesn’t feel so special anymore. Get well Bruz…”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Wallabies to Change it up
Wallabies captain Stephen Moore has admitted the Wallabies must change the way they play for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Moore has also acknowledged the impact of overseas based players coming back into the squad.
“When we came out of June we identified a lot of things we need to improve on or some new ideas that we could put in place,” Moore said.
“The players that have come back from Europe have already injected some energy.
“Like Drew Mitchell; he’s good value around the group and he’s always upbeat and really positive to have around.
“Those individuals that come back contribute something to the team and you can really feel the impact that’s had already.
“We have to change the way we play.
“On our last few outings we came up short so we need to find ways to be better and the coaches have identified some things that we can do and we’re working on that.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Perfect Start in Rio
The Australian Women’s Sevens team has got off to the perfect start in Rio winning their opening matches.
The Aussies were too strong for Fiji running away with the match 36-0.
They then smashed the Columbian team 53-0.
The Aussies started the second day with a shock 12-12 draw with the USA in their last pool game.
The team soon recovered and put away Spain 24-0 in the quarter final to set up a semi final against Canada tomorrow.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Kerevi Receives Citizenship
Samu Kerevi has officially become an Australian citizen after receiving his Australian citizenship last Wednesday.
Following political turmoil in Fiji during the coup at the start of this century, Kerevi fled to the Solomon Islands, and then to Australia.
“It was a very emotional day for me last Wednesday, there was a lot that happened over the years that made it very special for me and my family,” said Kerevi.
“I love challenges,” Kerevi said.
“I don’t get up in the morning to be mediocre.
“I am a proud Fijian, and a proud Australian, and I want the world to know that I’m a competitor.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
