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Watch: All Black prop - 'The doc thought I wouldn't play again'

09 Nov 2017

Nepo Laulala

Prop Nepo Laulala has been named in the All Black side to play France this weekend, part of a stunning comeback from injury in 2017.

The Chiefs frontrower suffered one of the most serious setbacks at the start of 2016, tearing the anterior, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee. The injury, which occurred before the season had even started, meant he missed the entire year – stalling a promising rise that had already had him play four tests for the All Blacks.

He spoke to All Blacks TV about how he was told he’d never play again, and how that moment “played a really big role in me getting back here. In our careers we get a lot of negativity and it’s part of our lives to prove people wrong. You’ve got to stay strong and not believe everything you hear.”

The All Blacks take on France at Stade de France in Paris this weekend.

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Comments on RugbyPass

beaudy 2 minutes ago

Wallabies’ depth chart: Centres a problem, Lock-jam in the second row

Kerevi has been really good in Japan, i’d be suprised if he isnt in. Given the depth of centers. He has played a match so should appear in the depth chart no?

Gotta have more lineout jumpers, in that 23. Curious if Wilson will start if skelton is also starting.

4 Go to comments

Guest 4 minutes ago

Wallabies’ depth chart: Centres a problem, Lock-jam in the second row

Thanks John, one note I would add Nongorr to your tight head stocks, probably above Robertson for me certainly. I’m also not sure about Swain at No.5, I know he wears that number for the Force but he really played loose head lock.

4 Go to comments

BA 8 minutes ago

Wallabies’ depth chart: Centres a problem, Lock-jam in the second row

JAS covers midfield and wing

Bobby V number 8

4 Go to comments

OJohn 13 minutes ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

I made sure Lancaster was canned

35 Go to comments

Ed the Duck 23 minutes ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Nah, he’s demonstrated over a long period, and with many people that post well, that it’s a lost cause. And anyway, when have you ever seen a dressing room operate on the principle of dealing with rubbish by quietly taking the moral high ground…😂

149 Go to comments

Ed the Duck 27 minutes ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Yep, but then again IF Leinster had won well on Saturday to set that up, there’s every possibility the same falabilities would have bitten them in the final vs UBB.

149 Go to comments

Ed the Duck 31 minutes ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Morning after a full night and a vindaloo, definitely!!!

149 Go to comments

DylanPham 56 minutes ago

Wallabies’ depth chart: Centres a problem, Lock-jam in the second row

I had been living in depression because I made the stupid mistake of investing in the right platform. I was lucky to have stumbled on APTRECOUP as they saved me from this ugly situation. If you find yourself in a similar situation, search rb.gy/gwj0p3.

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Grantbill 1 hour ago

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LE 1 hour ago

Stats highlight Henry Pollock's Lions-hearted performance

The stat i was hoping to see was his breakdown impact. Seemed he was at every breakdown competing for or slowing down Leinsters ball. One of the main reasons they struggled to impose their usual game

11 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

They wanted something who wasn't going rip up the foundations put in place by Joe and was agreeable to Joe staying on board as a consultant/advisor, which really narrowed the field.

I think they could have got a better coach than Les to do that - albeit someone not an Australian!

If it came down to quality from anywhere versus picking from home I think they picked up the wrong end of the stick.

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BA 1 hour ago

What can we expect from Farrell's Lions squad? The key questions answered

Marcus Smith def goes can legit and has legit play both 10 and 15 at highest level and has broken open all the top sides for me is always on your bench both cover and impact

2 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

Is it as mild as it was back in 2001? It felt like a British Spring then!

35 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

Yess Les was one of the first generation of Leaguers - along with Phil Larder, John Muggleton and Shaun Edwards - to cross the great divide and coach D in Union…

I recall he had some good players at Ulster, including several top South Africans. Ofc he survived the first cull of coaches only to go the next season.

And I’d agree he was better at Irish wih Kidney handling the DOR chores, and he’s carried a lot of that through to Qld now.

As the head coach of WBs having to handle all the media and do all the player managment himself? I have doubts. Which is why I feel Joe will reenter the picture.

35 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Look at this way. By remaining more even in your own tone you can help encourage RW to simply talk rugby and sideline the huffing and puffing!

149 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

If we’re talking attack then UBB vs. the Leinter D would be one to savour.

149 Go to comments

NB 1 hour ago

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Are you Thor ‘ God of Thunder’ in that scenario Ed? 😆

149 Go to comments

Mitch 1 hour ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

It’s just wonderful how we’re approaching winter here but you wouldn't know it with the weather.

Les wasn't the only Australian involved with the Boks in the 1st few years of the millennium - Frank Ponissi and Tim Lane were in the Boks set-up as well for a wee while with Ponissi present for infamous pre World Cup camp in 2003.

35 Go to comments

Cantab 1 hour ago

Crusaders settle on new starting 10 for Chiefs showdown

What a clash this will be. With home advantage and coming off the bye perhaps a slight edge to the Crusaders over a Chiefs outfit beaten up by the Canes last week. Winner of this in prime position to top the log going into the finals.

3 Go to comments

Mitch 1 hour ago

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

They wanted something who wasn't going rip up the foundations put in place by Joe and was agreeable to Joe staying on board as a consultant/advisor, which really narrowed the field.

A strong year for the Wallabies will tempt Joe to consider staying on for the remainder of the World Cup cycle.

As you said in another comment Joe was filthy about the All Blacks not winning the World Cup in 2023. His ire was probably at Messrs Foley and Barnes.

35 Go to comments

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Watch: All Black prop - 'The doc thought I wouldn't play again'

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