The Wallabies are buzzing with excitement as Marika Koroibete returns to the Test squad. The Fijian winger had been speculated to be done with international rugby following the World Cup, with rumors of retirement swirling around. However, those rumors were put to rest when coach Joe Schmidt included him in the first Rugby Championship squad for the matches against the Springboks, allowing Koroibete to reclaim the number 11 jersey he has become synonymous with.
Koroibete’s influence on the field is unmistakable, but it is the insights from teammates like Nic White that reveal his significance off the field. “He’s special mate. He’s one of a kind Marika,” White said. “He is just made of granite, he’s stop or go and when he steps across that white line it is everything go. That ability to empty the tank, I’ve played with some special blokes that have that ability, and he’s at the top of it, whether it’s kick chase, going into contact, or the highlights you see; it’s special to back that effort up time and time again.”
White added that Koroibete might speak little, but his presence commands attention, stating, “You almost have to seek Marika’s permission with things around the group off the field. He’s certainly a leader.”
Schmidt echoed these sentiments when he selected Koroibete as his sole overseas player for the upcoming Tests, noting his positive character and game awareness. “He has a real sense of the game that allows him to get involved at the right moments. He works hard across the field. I’ve always thought, coaching against him, that he’s an absolute handful,” Schmidt commented.
After a poorly executed aerial game last week, Schmidt is counting on Koroibete to make a significant impact on the field. “I just felt we didn’t get into the aerial contest last week,” he said, pointing out that the team lost crucial possession in the air.
The Wallabies are set to face the Springboks in Perth at 7:45 p.m. tonight.