Christian Lealiifano has made a remarkable comeback to rugby, playing for the Brumbies a little more than seven months after a bone marrow transplant to treat leukaemia.
The star five-eighth came on just after 50 minutes of the Brumbies’ match against the Asia-Pacific Dragons on Thursday night in Singapore.
It didn’t take long for Lealiifano to return to the scoresheet as he knocked over five conversions in the ACT-based franchise’s 61-14 victory.
The 29-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in August and had surgery in November.
Lealiifano, who has 19 Wallaby caps, has continued as Brumbies co-captain since entering remission earlier in the year, with the club also using him in an assistant coaching role.
His incredible return will spark hopes he can figure in the Brumbies’ finals campaign or their two remaining Super Rugby fixtures.
They will host a sudden-death final on July 21 after sealing the Australian conference before the June Test break.
Last week, Brumbies teammate and Wallabies prop Scott Sio said Lealiifano’s attitude had been an inspiration.
“To see how calm and collected he is with the adversity he’s facing on a personal front, it really tells you to sit back and put everything in perspective and say, ‘it’s really not that tough if we’re willing to stick together and push through it’,” Sio said.
Meanwhile, Argentina halfback Tomas Cubelli also made his return for the Brumbies in his first game since injuring his knee in the pre-season.
After coming on in the second half, Cubelli showed his class with some silky passes and kicked the final conversion of the match.
The Slow Eater
Guest
Yep. Awesome
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Congratulations
Atlas
Guest
Never ever, excluding the two test appearances v Italy, Ireland 2013, both as sub for QC Great news re his return and good health to him
Rhys Bosley
Guest
He has only played 12 at test level, but he is a playmaking 12 and that makes him an international playmaker. He has a better goal kicking and defensive game than either of the other two, a better tactical kicking game that Foley and a deceptive running game that is as good. His passing game and vision aren't as good as Cooper's, but he is no slouch when it comes to running Larkham's fancy moves off the lineout. I reckon he will be a godsend for the Brumbies and in the mix for the Wallabies.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Well said Neil
Mike Julz
Guest
Welcome back uso.
Fionn
Guest
So the same as Foley in not breaking a game open, but better defensively, makes fewer errors and a better kicking game; Unlike Quade doesn't break a game open, but makes far fewer errors and has a better kicking game.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No that was Matt Toomua in 2013
piru
Roar Rookie
Are you sure TWAS? I seem to remember him starting at least one or two at 10?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
But if he can replicate his 2012 Super Rugby form, I may be completely wrong!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He's a back up test player. Does little wrong (defence, errors, etc.), but doesn't break a game open.
kiwineil
Guest
among all the negatives for Aust rugby this season, this is a shining light standout positive. Good to have you back young man, Go well.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I don't. He's never even played 10 at test level remember.
piru
Roar Rookie
I think he's as good as either of the alternatives, except maybe Cooper when he has his tail up
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think Leali'ifano is a great player. He is absolutely not an international playmaker though.
Al
Guest
Fingers crossed!
Al
Guest
Fantastic news! So happy for him
piru
Roar Rookie
Is he eligible to play?
Rhys Bosley
Guest
It won't while Cheika is in charge, he never seems to have rated CL, but the way he is going another coach taking a fresh look may not be out of the question before to long.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Great news! The Brumbies stocks just rose this finals series, lets see what the critics have to say about Larkham's attack with an international playmaker back in his lineup.