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Fijian village watches on as Isi Naisarani makes Wallabies debut

By Online Editors
Isi Naisarani in thethick of the action during his Wallabies debut. (PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP/Getty Images)

The small Fijian village of Naqali was jumping over the weekend with family and friends of back-rower Isi Naisarani gathering to watch his Wallabies debut.

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While the Australians fell 35-17 to South Africa in their Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg, there was still plenty to celebrate with Naisarani’s appearance five years in the making.

Growing up idolising the likes of Fijian powerhouse Rupeni Caucaunibuca and former Wallabies George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, the 24-year-old moved to Australia in 2014 with the aim of playing for his adopted country.

But a visa issue saw his three-year residency qualification restarted in 2016, which meant he only qualified for selection in April this year.

Naisarani, who was Melbourne’s players’ player this Super Rugby season, was excited the big moment had finally arrived.

And so were the people of Naqali, which is about 30 minutes inland from the capital Suva.

“It’s unreal to make my Test debut. I feel humble. I’ve been waiting for so long to get this opportunity. It’s a blessing for me,” Naisarani said.

“I’ve been getting heaps of messages, texts from back home.

“All my family, friends, my village stayed up to watch as the kick-off was 3am back home.

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“They are definitely proud of me. When I came to Australia my dream was to play for the Wallabies, so to now get this opportunity is a blessing.”

While Australia’s performance wasn’t perfect, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said No.8 Naisarani did everything expected of him against the burly Boks, clocking up seven runs including two tackle-busts.

“I thought Naisarani had an excellent debut, he was involved in the game,” Cheika said after the match.

“He didn’t have a very high error count and he was present all the time.

“He made some crucial catches and he defended with physicality.”

AAP

Watch – Michael Cheika fronts media in Brisbane:

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Trevor 52 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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