Fifteens into sevens doesn’t go for Rayasi
Brilliant Hurricanes wing Salesi Rayasi has turned down a shot at an Olympic sevens gold medal and committed to Super Rugby TransTasman.
Coach Jason Holland confirmed Rayasi’s decision yesterday, while setting captain Ardie Savea’s targeted return from a knee injury as the Brumbies match in Canberra on June 5.
Rayasi said last month he was still weighing up a chance to join coach Clark Laidlaw’s New Zealand sevens side for its buildup to Tokyo in July, having last played for them in Sydney in February 2020.
Holland, whose side returns to training today after its moraleboosting 41-22 win over the Highlanders, said
Rayasi was full steam ahead for their five-week trans-Tasman joust starting against the Waratahs in Sydney next Friday.
‘‘Sas is pretty much 15s with us. Unless I get a surprise, he’s pretty keen to play the Trans-Tasman and stick with that,’’ Holland told Stuff.
Asked if Rayasi was torn over the decision, Holland said: ‘‘Basically it hasn’t been too much of a discussion. If it was 50-50 it probably would have been more of a discussion. From what I gather he’s pretty intent on putting all his time and effort into 15s.’’ At 24 it is probably now or never for Rayasi’s Olympic aspirations as he chases an All Blacks jersey. Top tryscorer in last year’s NPC with 14 for runners-up
Auckland, Rayasi started five times for the Hurricanes in their disappointing Aotearoa campaign which ended 2-6 and bottom of the ladder.
He was a regular threat last Friday and his late try at Sky Stadium took his season tally to three, equal with team-mates Jordie Barrett and Asafo Aumua atop the Hurricanes’ list.
Savea, meanwhile, is back running at Hurricanes headquarters after he limped off with knee ligament damage during the 30-27 loss to the Crusaders on April 11.
The inspirational All Blacks loose forward, who was best on ground in that match despite suffering the injury soon after halftime, was making good progress and likely to return in the forecast 6-8 week mark.
‘‘The plan is the Brumbies. He’s progressing ... you put the plan in place and it can change from week to week. It should be Brumbies or a game either side of that.’’
Fellow loosies Vae Fififta (back) and Gareth Evans (ankle) will likely play club rugby next weekend and miss the trip to Sydney.
Halfback Jonathan Taumateine (ankle) returned to club rugby last weekend and was recovering well, Holland said, as they await a decision from All Black TJ Perenara on his plans for next year as he weighs up an NRL offer from Sydney Roosters.