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Mark Nawaqanitawase en route vers le XIII

CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 26: Mark Nawaqanitawase of Australia goes over to score their side's third try during the Autumn International match between Wales and Australia at Principality Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Après la piètre campagne des Wallabies lors de la Coupe du Monde de Rugby, les fans de rugby australiens doivent s’attendre à de nouvelles mauvaises nouvelles, car l’ailier vedette Mark Nawaqanitawase envisage de changer de code.

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Comme l’a rapporté le Sydney Morning Herald vendredi 10 novembre, le Wallaby aux 11 sélections devrait rencontrer l’entraîneur des Sydney Roosters, Trent Robinson, et son président, Nick Politis, la semaine prochaine.

Retour aux sources

Ce serait en quelque sorte un retour au source pour le natif de Burwood, près de Sydney, puisque c’est par le XIII qu’il est entré dans le rugby jusqu’à être happé par le XV à l’âge de 14 ans.

Nawaqanitawase, né d’un père fidjien, est rapidement devenu l’un des joueurs vedettes des Wallabies depuis ses débuts internationaux en novembre 2022, juste après avoir fait un rapide passage à sept lors des Jeux du Commonwealth où l’Australie avait terminé au pied du podium. Il est en fin de contrat avec les New South Wales Waratahs et Rugby Australia à la fin de l’année 2024.

Mais la perte de l’ailier vedette au profit du rugby à XIII – qui pourrait permettre aux Roosters de prendre leur revanche après que le rugby a débauché Joseph Suaalii avec un contrat juteux – serait un coup d’arrêt à la fin d’une année difficile.

Un moteur pour les Wallabies

Nawaqanitawase a été un élément moteur pour les Wallabies au cours d’une année particulièrement compliquée. Depuis ses débuts lors de la tournée de fin de saison de l’année dernière, le joueur de 23 ans s’est élevé au rang de superstar.

Sur ses 11 tests, il ne compte que trois victoires contre le Pays de Galles (34-39 en novembre 2022), la Géorgie (35-15) et le Portugal (34-14) à la Coupe du Monde de Rugby 2023 en France.

En forme, Nawaqanitawase devrait être considéré comme une certitude pour porter l’or des Wallabies l’année prochaine et probablement à l’avenir contre les British and Irish Lions. Mais Rugby Australia doit d’abord le retenir.

Au début de l’année dans une interview qui revêt aujourd’hui au mieux une forme d’ultimatum, au pire d’une prémonition, Nawaqanitawase avait déclaré au Sydney Morning Herald qu’il aurait aimé avoir un contrat plus long et qu’il aimerait explorer d’autres domaines.

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« J’aurais aimé en connaître plus », avait-il déclaré. « J’aimerais rester ici aussi longtemps que possible.

« Dans certaines circonstances, nous devions nous mettre d’accord sur un point. La prolongation de contrat d’un an était la meilleure chose à faire à ce moment-là.

« Dans un monde parfait, j’aimerais rester (dans le rugby à XV) mais il y a toujours un “mais”. Il y a évidemment d’autres choses qui pourraient m’intéresser. »

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TI 35 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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