Du’Plessis Kirifi opens up on his “rollercoaster” All Blacks omission, and a shock switch that’s landed the loose forward out of position this weekend.
He was overlooked by New Zealand coach Dave Rennie for the Nations Championship in July and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, which kicks off between the Stormers and All Blacks in Cape Town on Friday.
Wellington have since named the eight-cap Kirifi at inside centre for their clash with Auckland.
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Speaking to RugbyPass, Kirifi, who led the Hurricanes to a Super Rugby Pacific title in June and has captained the Lions to two NPC crowns, said the omission came down to selection preference rather than a drop in form.
“The last month and a bit have been a fair rollercoaster to say the least, but it’s just the reality,” he said. “That’s not to say that I couldn’t but I clearly don’t fit in Rens’ picture at the moment and that’s fine.
“That’s the life we chose as professional athletes… you are going to be favoured by some coaches and you’re not going to be favoured by others. That’s part of what we do. It’s the reality. Just learn to accept that and move on.”
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Coach Trent Renata first floated the idea of using Kirifi in midfield, with the Lions hit by injuries and short of options after last week’s loss to Hawke’s Bay.
It marks the first time at professional level the 29-year-old’s worn a number other than seven, and Kirifi was quick to play down any wider versatility angle.
“It was a last resort really. I by no means put my hand up for the job,” he said. “It’s very new. There’s by no means been any prep gone into this, apart from this week.
“It has nothing to do with wanting to be versatile. It’s just the reality of our situation at the moment. I’d be pretty gutted if I overnight became a better 12 than I am a seven.”
Phot0: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post All Blacks outcast: I don’t fit in Rens’ picture appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Du’Plessis Kirifi opens up on his “rollercoaster” All Blacks omission, and a shock switch that’s landed the loose forward out of position this weekend.
The post All Blacks outcast: I don’t fit in Rens’ picture appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
