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Emotions running high for Samu Kerevi ahead of Fiji clash

Samu Kerevi, whether deployed at 12 or 13, is a handful for any defence. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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RedWarrior 28 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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