'Samoan Mortlock' takes centre stage

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 22 November 2013 | 16.42

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HE is the self-proclaimed "Samoan Stirling Mortlock" in the Wallabies "Kiwi" backline.

Christian Lealiifano hopes to emulate one of Australia's greatest centres after being named in the famous Wallabies No. 13 jersey and being handed goal-kicking responsibilities.

And incredibly, the silky-skilled 26-year-old is one of five New Zealand-born players in Australia's starting backline against Scotland, alongside Quade Cooper, Mike Harris, Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia.

With halfback Will Genia born in Papua New Guinea, star fullback Israel Folau is the only back who was born in Australia starting the match at Murrayfield.

Lealiifano partners Harris in an all-new Wallabies midfield at Murrayfield following injury to Matt Toomua, the IRB suspension of Tevita Kuridrani, and Wallabies disciplinary suspension of Adam Ashley-Cooper.

"I was saying to the boys before, I feel like the Samoan Stirling Mortlock, because I'm playing No. 13 and goal-kicking. I've got more hair though," Leali'ifano said.

Playing his first top-line match at outside centre - a position he last played in New Zealand club rugby three years ago - Lealiifano will no doubt be a target of Scotland's attack in the tough defensive channel.

"It will probably be the obvious thing to do, but I'm excited about that challenge," said Lealiifano, who up to now has played all his senior rugby at inside centre or five-eighth.

Christian Lealiifano returns to the Wallabies staring line-up this weekend. Source: News Corp Australia

"Talking to (regular outside centres Ashley-Cooper and Kuridrani), they said 'You've got a lot more time to see and make your reads in defence'.

"I am seeing that at training, and those boys are definitely testing me there.

"I have been waiting for a chance to get in the top 15, and now I am there I can hopefully play well."

Lealiifano said he was fully behind coach Ewen McKenzie's tough stance on the 15 players who had the infamous drinking session in Dublin last week.

"We've had the worst year in Australian history, we have to buy in to the change," he said.

"It's been tough, but I feel like we're getting through.

"Obviously Ewen has made a strong stand there but I'm excited about that and I back him on the decision because for us to be a better team, a world class team, we need to make tough decisions and get through together.

"It's been tough, no doubt about it, but I feel we've got enough depth and belief that with the guys that have been stood down or injured, we've got the guys that can get the job done.

"You've got to keep in the back of your mind that you're here to represent your nation.

"I hate losing, I think you've got to do everything you can to put yourself in a position where you are world-class."

Scotland vs Australia, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Sunday 5am (AEDT)

SCOTLAND: 15. Sean Maitland 14. Tommy Seymour 13. Nick de Luca 12. Duncan Taylor 11. Sean Lamont 10. Duncan Weir 9. Greig Laidlaw 8. David Denton 7. Kelly Brown (captain) 6. Johnnie Beattie 5. Jim Hamilton 4. Grant Gilchrist 3. Moray Low 2. Ross Ford 1. Ryan Grant.

Reserves: 16. Pat MacArthur 17. Alasdair Dickinson 18. Euan Murray 19. Jonny Gray 20. Kieran Low 21. Chris Cusiter 22. Ruaridh Jackson 23. Max Evans.

WALLABIES: 15. Israel Folau 14. Joe Tomane 13. Christian Leali'ifano 12. Mike Harris 11. Chris Feauai-Sautia 10. Quade Cooper (vice-captain) 9. Will Genia 8. Ben Mowen (captain) 7. Michael Hooper 6. Scott Fardy 5. James Horwill 4. Rob Simmons 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Stephen Moore 1. James Slipper.

Reserves: 16. Saia Fainga'a 17. Ben Alexander 18. Paddy Ryan 19. Sitaleki Timani 20. Ben McCalman 21. Nic White 22. Nick Phipps 23. Bernard Foley.


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