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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.
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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.
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“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.”
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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.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
51 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
51 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
51 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
51 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
51 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
51 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
51 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
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