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'The fastest man in New Zealand' returns to wreak havoc on old team

By Online Editors
Toni Pulu. (Photos by Getty Images)

The Brumbies face a monumental task against the Chiefs on Saturday, where they plan to break a Super Rugby hoodoo by unleashing a former star against the competition leaders.

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The Australian conference frontrunners are winless in Hamilton since 2007 and haven’t posted a Super Rugby victory anywhere in New Zealand since 2014.

Tevita Kuridrani, Scott Sio and Lachy McCaffrey are the only current players to have won across the ditch in Brumbies colours.

In a bid to snap that drought former Chiefs flyer and current Brumbies winger Toni Pulu is expected to make his return from injury off the bench in Hamilton.

Wallabies coach and former Chiefs mentor Dave Rennie once dubbed Pulu the fastest man in New Zealand, but his career has been slowed by injuries.

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The 31-year-old has played just 23 Super Rugby matches in the past five years, but Pulu said he’s ready to return against his mates this week.

“I was injured last year so it’s going to be quite emotional going back because that’s where things started for me,” he said.

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“I still keep in touch with most of the boys and we share a few laughs, but there’s no friends going over there.

“They’re a quality side but we’ve done enough this week to prepare for that.”

Pulu said his goals this season are to break back into the Brumbies starting side – he started both finals on the left wing last season – and remain healthy.

“Injuries have been the downfall of my career but hopefully I can stay injury-free this season,” Pulu said.

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“It’s tough with the young guys stepping up this year so if I get my opportunity I really want to take it.

“If I get the chance to put the jersey on this week I’ll definitely be putting put my best foot forward.”

The Brumbies were expected to name a full-strength side but confirmation on Wednesday that some players and staff had been affected by a mumps outbreak could revise those plans.

– AAP

WATCH: Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is excited ahead of his side’s southern derby with the Crusaders.

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Trevor 41 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.

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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.

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