Lealiifano Plugs Gaps in Backline
5th August 2010 08:29AM
Young Chiefs second five-eighth Jackson Willison has been ruled out for this Saturday's match against Auckland at Eden Park with a hamstring strain, meaning a backline reshuffle is needed.
But with the seamless way Brumbies utility Christian Lealiifano slotted into second-five from fullback when Willison left the field against Bay of Plenty last weekend it seems unlikely to cause disruption.
Lealiifano was a first-five who was moved to second-five by Brumbies coach Andy Friend in this year's Super 14 before injury struck. Lealiifano is also happy to play at fullback for Waikato as he looks to boost his versatility by learning new positions. "He's got such a large skill range that he has adapted to whatever we've thrown at him in the pre-season and that's been 10, 15 and 12," Waikato backs coach Scott McLeod said. "I've been really impressed with him coming into this environment. With the skills he does have he just sees it, he just adapts well and he's a pleasure to have here."
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