Jarryd Hayne is going to Rio! Well – possibly. The former-Parramatta-Eel-cum-former-San-Francisco-49er has been named in Fiji’s extended Rugby Sevens squad for the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, from which the final 13 will be picked.
The 23-man squad will now take part in a June 12 camp at Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour before the squad is eventually narrowed down ahead of the Olympics, which begin later this year on August 5.
Fiji’s extended Rugby Sevens squad for Rio 2016
Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Emosi Mulevoro, Isake Katonibau, Jarryd Hayne, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Josua Vici, Kitione Dawai, Leone Nakarawa, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Nemani Nagusa, Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Seremaia Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata and Waisea Nayacalevu.
Ben Ryan, Fiji’s Rugby Sevens coach, named the squad on Saturday.
Hayne made his Rugby Sevens debut for Fiji at last month’s London Sevens, at which Fiji officially claimed a second consecutive Rugby Sevens World Series title.
However Hayne played only fifteen minutes across six matches and didn’t really impress.
“At the moment, I’m behind the eight ball and I’ve got no problem with that. It’s about working hard and getting there,” said Hayne at the time.
“They’re the world champs. Sometimes in life, it’s not about success, but it’s about the experience and just being part of that team.
“[It’s the] first Fijian team to win back-to-back titles and they’ve got a bunch of superstars who are going to be a joy to train with and a joy to play with.
“It’s not about coming over and making the team, it’s about giving me an opportunity to make a team.”
Ryan admitted at the time that Hayne was facing a significant challenge to break his way into Fiji’s Rio team.
“Our cupboard is not just deep, it’s absolutely littered with fantastic talent,” Ryan said.
“Whether he’ll be able to tolerate that in a short timeframe is a serious question.”
Jerry
Guest
He has started most of the tests yes. But rarely over Ma'a Nonu and never over a fully fit Nonu in a first choice side. The only time SBW was ever chosen over Nonu in a first choice side was a stretch of 3 or 4 tests in 2012 when Nonu was essentially being spelled.
CUW
Guest
@ Jerry “Was selected ahead of Nonu multiple times.” it is actually true. Sonny has been selected ahead of Maa in a number of matches ( when he was available ). like recently against USA , Samoa , Georgia , Namibia ..... :)
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Australians? Do Australians post on here?
Not Bothered
Guest
I never said SBW was an awesome 7s player. I have said he needs to improve and according to NZs coach he has and is starting to "excell". Mind you what would he know. Steve Hansen has just said that SBW is " one of the best if not the best in the world in that position". Mind you...what would he know. When talking about SBW and tall poppies youve got to be all negative and put them down like you do because thats what...well thats what sheep who cant think for themselves do. Thats what bitter and quite misguiged people do. Thats what you do. I choose to not to.
Not Bothered
Guest
It bothers union folk because they are like a dog protecting their patch. Sad but human nature. "What, Haynes been selected in a training squad for Fiji! Its clearly some kind of conspiracy or stunt because there is no way it can be genuine". Hes just been selected for a training squad ffs and if he isnt good enough then he wont go. However, he is one of the most talented rugby players on earth and has great skills. No stunt or conspiracy, just a chance to see what he can do.
Not Bothered
Guest
Whats the def of multiple? Anyway Im right and thats a fact. It may be a fact that people dont like but that doesnt stop it from being a fact. Even if you say "not really". As for SBW not getting gametime in the games that matter well hes started most of the tests hes played. Played 40 mins in the last WC final. Has started tests against Wales, Ire, Aus, SA, Arg, Eng. Not that WC finals or tests against the best nations on earth "matter". I can understand why reality doesnt suit you but mate its still reality stillmatic and that makes you a sad hater that cant accept facts. Enjoy that.
Not Bothered
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Yes they arnt exactly the same.
Not Bothered
Guest
Hyperbole. No its a fact. He is, or was, considered one of the best in the world at league. You may not like that fact sulky boy but you need to get over it because its real. So spare me your attempt at pretending that is not a well known fact mate. Hayne is not my fav at all but that doesnt mean Im going to turn into whatever the f it is that you are and pretend reality doesnt exist because I dont like it or it doesnt suit my twisted agenda. Pffft, I dont even like Hayne you silly person. Sheesh. Hyperbole is acknowledging reality? Not in this world buddy.
Katipo
Guest
The lineouts are quite different! The breakdown is different too, obviously, and the length of time without stopping running is different. League stops every few seconds at every tackle. Rugby XVs and Sevens both can go for 2 or 3 minutes without stopping. The other thing that SBW and Folau both commented on is that union is actually quicker (even though it looks slower on TV). In league the defence stands back 10m behind the tackle. There is more time to make decisions before impact. In rugby the defenders stand behind the last feet - there is much less time to make decisions. But yeah. Quite similar hence the fact so many players play both sports successfully. I was much more impressed by the amateur day cross coders representing at rugby and cricket, say Jeff Wilson or Brian McKechnie. Now they are different sports!
In Brief
Guest
The similarity is the running, passing and tackling, but the tactics are quite different. How many rugby league teams go backwards to go forwards? Doesn't mean they are impossible to pick up, but definitely a challenge particularly with Fiji who play a very unique style.
stillmatic1
Guest
Jerry, jerry, jerry, why destroy not bothereds man crush on sbw with things like facts. Sbw just getting selected and having very little game time when it matters in the biggest tests of each year is extraordinary and should be applauded and stuff and junk. I mean he off loads jerry, he off loads......
stillmatic1
Guest
For someone who complains about others and their hyperbole you tend to go over board about some of your 'favs'. Hayne is talented but spare us the tripe you and others are pumping out about how extraordinary said talents are. And sbw isnt setting the world on fire in sevens either despite your protestations.
Ara
Guest
I wonder why Haynes selection in the Fijian team bother Australians so much.
Jerry
Guest
"Was selected ahead of Nonu multiple times." Not really. The only time when SBW was ever selected ahead of Nonu in a first choice side was in 2012 when Nonu had played 15 months straight or something and the selection panel said he was being rested.
Not Bothered
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DJ Forbes catch many restarts and lineouts?
Not Bothered
Guest
SBW has played 6 years in union. Was straight into the ABs as soon as he could be selected. Won motm in his 2nd or 3rd test. Was selected ahead of Nonu multiple times. Never pressured Nonu though. Yes he did.
CUW
Guest
u missed the most important aspect of a 7S forward - ability to jum and claim kick offs and line outs. in fact that is one area SBW had to work on very hard to learn, becoz he is not a natural jumper. also it is one area that let down the NZ team , when they lost guys like scot curry and sam dickson , who had mastered the reclaim.
Not Bothered
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Been excellent.
CUW
Guest
hmmmm SBW was never in union long enuf to pressure Maa. SBW had his best year as a center in 2012 with Chiefs, then he was off to league - again! by the time he came back , Nonu had joined with Conrad at super level and gelled well. no doubt SBW is a great talent , but to think Nonu got better becoz he felt threatened is a little stretch. the only difference in Nonu ( if it can be attributed to pressure ? ) is that he played better Super rugger for a couple of seasons. Maa Nonu rarely had a bad game in black shirt :)
Not Bothered
Guest
Chess and Ausie Rules. Actually I really struggle to think of 2 games more similar. Perhaps 15s and 7s and thats about it.