ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
CASE DISMISSED
All Blacks loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi has finally been released back into international rugby after serving a lengthy and emotionally draining sentence with the Wellington Lions, who somehow managed to lose all 10 NPCgames this season .
Kirifi, who has not been required by the All Blacks since Dave Rennie took over as head coach, has been recalled as injury cover ahead of Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney.
The Wellington Lions’ winless campaign reportedly left Kirifi questioning whether he was still playing professional rugby or participating in an elaborate psychological experiment.
“At one point, I thought Dave Rennie had forgotten I existed,” he said.
“Then I realised he probably knew exactly where I was. He’d just seen the Lions’ results and decided there was no point interrupting the learning experience.”
Kirifi said the hardest part of the season was maintaining belief while watching the losses pile up.
“Losing one game is disappointing. Losing five is a rough patch. Losing 10 straight is when you start celebrating a successful lineout like you’ve just won the competition.”
The loose forward also admitted the Lions’ season had prepared him for almost any situation international rugby could throw at him.
“I’ve played behind a struggling pack, defended for 80 minutes and had to simply smile and recognise that movies would be boring if nothing bad ever happened in them. Now I feel ready for anything.”
He added that he had no hard feelings about missing the initial All Blacks selections.
“Honestly, after a season with the Lions, pulling on the black jersey feels less like a call-up and more like being granted parole.”
More to come.
