Granite-like Marika Koroibete to bolster Wallabies

[Pelican Press 0]

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Granite-like Marika Koroibete to bolster Wallabies

Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete has been described as the granite-like leader of the Wallabies ahead of another clash with South *******.

Japan-based Koroibete was overlooked for last week’s 33-7 loss to the Springboks in Brisbane in order to give him more time to get up to speed.

The explosive winger will be unleashed at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Saturday night, and his Wallabies teammates can’t wait to see him in action.

“He’s special mate. He’s one of a kind,” halfback Nic White said.

“He’s just made of granite.

“I’ve played with some special blokes throughout my career that have the ability to just empty the tank into absolutely everything they do, with every single action, and right at the top of that is Marika.

“And when it comes to contact, he’s as hard as anybody, he’s absolute granite.”

White also praised Koroibete’s distinct leadership.

“He’s a man of few words,” White said.

“But I’ll tell you what, when he does choose to speak, you listen.

“He just has that aura like you almost have to seek Marika permission with things around the group, off the field.

“You ask, ‘Is that OK Marika?’ You get the nod. ‘OK, we’re good to go’. He’s certainly our leader as such.”

Heavy downpours are forecast for Perth on Saturday.

The Optus Stadium turf has already been criticised in AFL circles this year for being too soft and slippery.

The condition of the playing surface will be a big talking point ahead of Sunday’s AFL clash between West Coast and Carlton, but White isn’t worried.

“We’re a bit different to the AFL, we’re happy to play in the mud,” he said.

“(The rain) might be coming in sideways, but both teams have got to play in it and adapt to it. There’s no excuse.

“And yeah, we might ruin it (the turf) for West Coast on Sunday.”

South ******* have made a whopping 10 changes to their starting line-up as Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus attempts to build on his team’s enviable depth.

Despite the mass changes, their squad will still feature 14 World Cup winners.

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