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'Unreal, isn't he?': The 'shining light' powering towards Wallabies call-up after explosive showing against the Crusaders

31 May 2021

(AAP Image/David Neilson)

He’s been a shining light in a season of gloom and now Izaia Perese’s teammates believe the barnstorming centre deserves a Wallabies spot.

Even in the Waratahs’ winless campaign through Super Rugby AU and Trans-Tasman competitions, Perese has proven a thorn in opposition defences with his powerhouse running through the midfield.

The 24-year-old one-time Brisbane Bronco and former Queensland Red was again the Waratahs’ best in Saturday’s loss to the Crusaders, his second-half when he steamrolled two defenders another example of his speed and strength.

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The Spirit of Rugby | Episode 3

Playing directly outside the explosive centre, Waratahs winger and vice-captain Alex Newsome is convinced he belongs in Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squad for winter’s three-Test series against France.

“Unreal, isn’t he? I reckon he’s probably as dangerous as anyone playing in this competition,” Newsome said ahead of the Waratahs’ trip to Dunedin to face the Highlanders on Saturday.

“He’s so powerful, so fast when he sees a chink in the defence. He’s really been a shining light in our attack.

Monster! Great try this by Izaia Perese pic.twitter.com/ltus7s22Br
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 29, 2021

“He just shows the rest of the boys just to back yourself. He’s a guy exwhere nothing’s on and he’ll carry the ball very hard and be aggressive and it’s a lesson learned not just in our team but across the nation as well.

“We’ve had Joey Walton go out early in the year and Izzy’s done such a good job in filling that gap.”

A former Australian schoolboys star, Perese started his career at the Reds before having two ill-fated seasons in the NRL, playing just two games for the Broncos after being stood down indefinitely when charged by police with drug-related offences.

His decision to return to rugby this year, but with the Waratahs and not the Reds, where he had four seasons from 2015-18, has helped Perese reignite his once-flourishing career.

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika picked him for the 2017 Rugby Championship but Perese didn’t play a Test.

On form, that’s likely to change in 2021 under Rennie.

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Andrew Nichols 45 minutes ago

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Turnaround? Sheer luck against the Canes who just needed Hohepa to show tge goal kicki g competence of an average club goalkicker to have won that. Then bludgeoning Mo P who thought the Chiefs Bomb Squad idea would work for them leaving the best strike weapon and game controlleron the bench until.it was all too late. Saders will monster the Blues.

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BH 1 hour ago

Super Rugby Pacific takes: Cake Tin needs to be demo'd, Australian dominance deserved

The Crusaders are looking scary again? You have short term memory loss. Let’s not forget that they got absolutely smashed by Moana Pacifika only a couple of weeks ago. And the Hurricanes could’ve at least salvaged a draw if they were playing to their potential and did not completely stuff it up.

When the Crusaders lost their games this year, they played poorly, absolutely deserved to lose and didn’t even get close to winning. Meanwhile the Chiefs still could’ve won the games they lost.

And Wellington isn’t a left-leaning city. House prices are insane, their council is tied up with red tape and buried with paperwork, and young people and minorities are still struggling. Don’t forget they, among many others, were unhappy about the Poua’s haka performances last year. Keep your politics out of this.

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BH 1 hour ago

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Crusaders have been inconsistent

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NB 3 hours ago

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I think you could well be right, esp if Aussie gets its coaching team right for the series! If the team is based on Ireland it might be vulnerable.

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NB 3 hours ago

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Yes Foketi had a great November tour and played exceptionally well v France in Paris. If he’s back to his best he has to be in contention for the Lions.

I really like the cut of Teddy Wilson’s jib too. He reminds me a fair bit of the old Cardiff 9 Terry Holmes - big and physical but with a tidy pass and skill-set.

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NB 3 hours ago

How key Waratahs playmakers could reshape Joe Schmidt's Wallabies backline

It all depends ultimately on what suits Joe Schmidt’s view of a #10 best AD. That would almost certanly change if Les Kiss became coach, but Schmidt loves a good game-manager!

I’ve always rated Foketi highly. I know he had a blip last year but at his best I think he’s a better option at 12 than Hunter P. He might be better tha anyone else at 13 bar Lenny too… If he is as versatile as you say it could also opne up the 6/2 bench option for Schmidt.

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NB 4 hours ago

How key Waratahs playmakers could reshape Joe Schmidt's Wallabies backline

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How key Waratahs playmakers could reshape Joe Schmidt's Wallabies backline

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