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Reece at his 'happiest ever' six months on from ripped-up Connacht deal

Crusaders' Sevu Reece off-loads the ball during last weekend's Super Rugby match versus the Highlanders (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

On-fire Crusaders wing Sevu Reece believes it was a blessing in disguise that PRO14 outfit Connacht ripped up his two-year deal last October before his arrival in Galway.

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The Irish province took a dim view of Reece’s appearance in Hamilton District Court on one count of male assaults female, an incident involving his girlfriend in July last year. 

He was discharged without conviction, fined $750, and suspended for one Mitre 10 Cup match, but the Irish club told him not to bother travelling over from New Zealand as he was no long wanted by them.

Despite finishing out the Mitre 10 Cup in try-scoring form for Waikato, Reece was initially unwanted by any of the Super Rugby franchises for 2019.

However, Israel Dagg’s ongoing injury issues, which ultimately led to his recent retirement from the game, led to a December call from the Crusaders for the Fijian-born winger who has gone on to score four tries for the club in as many Super Rugby appearances.

“At that moment, it was disappointing that I lost that contract. But now when I look back, I wouldn’t have been fulfilling my dream of playing Super Rugby. I look back and put a big smile on my face because I’m chasing my dream,” said Reece to New Zealand media.

“That [off-field incident] is in the past. All of that has been dealt with and now I’m just grateful for where I am today. I’m just going to keep working hard. 

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“At that moment [I signed with Connacht], I thought that was the best decision to make then. Now, looking back, I’m the happiest ever getting to fulfil my dreams.

“I’m lucky enough, you’re just rubbing shoulders with All Blacks and some guys with real high experience. During training, you have little conversations with Ryan (Crotty), Richie (Mo’unga), even Dagg. I’m learning a lot,”

“Just [Dagg’s] knowledge. My kicking game, especially. Because that’s not been a strength of mine, but now I could say it is. He is awesome, just helps a lot.

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“I’ve got a really good support crew here. Whatever you need, what area you need support in, it’s always there. They always come and check on you, make sure you have everything sorted.

“Because I’m from Hamilton the only thing you think of is the Chiefs. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be playing for the Crusaders. But I’m the happiest ever.”

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Nickers 17 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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