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Australian rugby is breathing a sigh of relief after in-form centre Hunter Paisami turned down a massive deal in England to stay at Les…
Wallabies game-breaker Samu Kerevi says his biggest personal challenge could come before kickoff if he tries to suppress his emotions on Rugby World Cup debut.
Kerevi will face his native Fiji for the first time at the Sapporo Dome on Saturday and said staring down the opposition’s Cibi war dance will be a stirring personal moment.
The Wallabies will want him to refocus quickly on their opening pool match, with the 25-year-old arguably the best player in Australia this year and the man most likely to create havoc for the Fijian defence.
Kerevi said he would have no point to prove against his countrymen and suspected Fijian-born Wallabies teammates Marika Koroibete and Isi Naisarani felt the same.
Instead the match served to highlight where their life and allegiances now lie.
“It’s not about trying to get one up on anyone,” he said.
“It’s about trying to put our best foot forward for our team, for our nation and especially for us, the Fijian Australians.
“It will be a rollercoaster of emotions before the game but once the kick-off starts it’s all about our rugby.”
Kerevi, who hails from the small village of Viseisei, insists his family will be supporting the Wallabies.
They have a “whole day programme” prepared ahead of kickoff, featuring breakfast followed by a barbeque.
“I know everyone in Fiji has been excited, everyone has been talking about it back home,” he said.
“The whole family is coming to watch the game, and they are really backing the Fijians in our team.”
Kerevi confirmed his Japan-based older brother Josua had helped the Fiji team prepare this week but joked that he hadn’t been passed any secrets.
The tournament is potentially a farewell to the green and gold jersey for Kerevi, who has signed a three-year deal to play in Japan at the peak of his powers.
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