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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Daniel Gallan

Fiji holds ‘special place’ in Wallabies hearts but allegiances won’t wobble

Samu Kerevi runs with the ball against Georgia as Mark Nawaqanitawase follows to his side
Samu Kerevi is one of seven Wallabies with Fijian roots but he says once they put the jersey on they are Australian. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The high-flying Fijians against the free-wheeling Wallabies: it’s a volatile combination. It may be the most important game of Eddie Jones’s second tenure as Wallabies coach, but for seven Wallabies, this contest with Fiji has far greater significance than a potential date with Argentina or England in the next round.

“It’s always going to be special as Fiji holds a special place in our heart,” said Samu Kerevi, who, alongside Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Langi Gleeson and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, has roots on the archipelago nearly 5,000km away from the country they now proudly represent.

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