Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Wallabies dream recall within reach for recovered Lealiifano

Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano is surprised and delighted to be a step closer to a dream Wallabies recall, less than three years after being diagnosed with cancer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lealiifano was invited into Wallabies camp this week for the first time since the 19-Test playmaker’s leukaemia diagnosis in August 2016.

He underwent chemotherapy and had a bone-marrow transplant before making a return for the Brumbies less than 12 months later.

The 31-year-old has returned to his best form this Super Rugby season, leading led the Brumbies to the top of the Australian conference with four games to play.

Lealiifano knew he was getting back to his best but admits he was still shocked when Australian coach Michael Cheika invited him back into camp.

“I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting anything like that, my main focus has been here at Brumbies and I’m really enjoying it,” Lealiifano said.

“I’m really proud of the journey I’ve been on over the last few years to be able to get that recognition, obviously late in my career as well, to still be recognised is a proud moment.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I was stoked to be there.”

Lealiifano was one of four playmakers in camp and will compete for a World Cup berth against NSW’s Bernard Foley, and Melbourne duo Matt Toomua and Quade Cooper.

The Brumbies skipper said he wasn’t getting ahead of himself, with the disappointment of missing out on the 2015 World Cup still fresh.

“I know you can get so close and still miss out so I’m wary of that and not to get too excited but it is a little bit real now,” Lealiifano said.

“If you keep playing well you’ll hopefully be in and round that team so that’s my main focus, to continue the momentum we have here at the Brumbies.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar believes Lealiifano is back to peak physical condition and the No.10 revealed doctors were thrilled with his health.

“I definitely feel like I’m playing as good as I have since I was sick,” Lealiifano said.

“Last year I probably felt as good as I could have but still battled a bit and my playing probably showed that. I couldn’t do what I wanted to do on the field but being out there was an accomplishment enough.

“It took a while to get me back to where I was pre-illness but speaking to the specialist they said you wouldn’t know that I had leukemia with all my blood results.

“That’s given me a lot of confidence to be able to run and do gym and get me back to full strength. I feel I am back and feeling really fit and raring to go.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

N
Nickers 28 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.

41 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
Search