I guess that’s just rugby, says Winiata
If Manawatu¯ Cyclones star Selica Winiata is motivated by personal accolades, she does a great job of hiding it.
The fullback spent more time after a captain’s run in The Square on Saturday speaking about the team’s looming clash, against Canterbury on Sunday, than being the first woman to bring up 100 first-class tries.
While a great feat on its own, the fact she did it in 107 games makes it even more impressive.
Winiata said it was a privilege and honour to bring up the century in the game against Bay of Plenty on September 15, but it was not something she was focused on.
In fact, the feat vanished from her mind until the rest of the team went up to congratulate her after she scored.
That mood changed later though, as she was knocked out in the 60th minute.
‘‘I guess that’s just the game of rugby,’’ she said.
‘‘At times you’re in the moment, and then, hello, you’re knocked out.’’
Unable to run due to suffering a concussion from the knock, which will have her out for about 21 days, Winiata spent the captain’s run coaching her teammates.
She said it was nothing new for her, as senior players often gave advice to less experienced players in club rugby. ‘‘I still want to help the girls as much as I can.’’
The recovery was going well so far, with no adverse symptoms, she said.
The race for the Farah Palmer Cup premiership has been tight, with four teams, including Canterbury and Manawatu¯ , having gone into the weekend a two-win, one-loss, record.