Wallabies back-rower Langi Gleeson is grateful that nationwide coach Eddie Jones “tells it how it is”, in any other case he could not have been chosen in Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Gleeson’s health was questioned in March by Jones, who mentioned that had he been selecting his World Cup squad then, the Waratahs ahead wouldn’t have been chosen.
Having primarily been given an ultimatum by the no-nonsense Jones, Gleeson responded by getting fitter and shining for NSW on this 12 months’s Super Rugby Pacific competitors.
He was rewarded with a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad, and got here off the bench within the Wallabies’ first match of the event, final weekend’s 35-15 win over Georgia in Paris.
“The good thing about Eddie is he tells it how it is – he says what he thinks,” 22-year-old Langi mentioned.
“It’s good. As rugby players you need to be told what you’re not good at and what you’re good at.
“Fitness was a big part, especially in Super Rugby with how fast it is nowadays. It’s something that I’ve worked on, and it’s something Eddie and the coaches have helped me with.
“I just feel like I’m ready to go now. Growing up I always wanted to be a Wallaby, (but) I didn’t think I’d get there really.
“It’s all been a blur, especially this year and last year. I’m just trying to stay grounded and train as hard as I can.”
The World Cup will tackle further significance for Gleeson on Monday morning (AEST) when the Wallabies meet Fiji in Saint-Étienne.
Gleeson is amongst a bunch of Wallabies with Fijian heritage, the others being Mark Nawaqanitawase, Marika Koroibete, Suliasi Vunivalu, Samu Kerevi, Rob Valetini and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
“It’s the second team that I’m going for,” he mentioned.
“My family backs them as well. I don’t know who they’re going to support when we play them this week.”
Fiji shall be determined for a win after a first-up 32-26 Group C loss to Wales.
“It’s just about executing your set piece and stopping their off-loads, which they’re really good at,” Gleeson mentioned.
“They’re really big bodies so you’ve just got to tackle low.”
Gleeson additionally referred to as for an 80-minute Wallabies efficiency slightly than solely enjoying properly in patches.
“It’s something that we’ve struggled with in the past games. We understand that it’s an issue but we’re going to resolve it this week,” he mentioned.
“We’re going to start fast and finish fast this week.”
Gleeson hoped for extra sport time towards Fiji however preached a “team first” mentality.
“It’s all about the team first. If that’s what Eddie wants, that’s what Eddie will get,” he mentioned.
“I’m fine if I’m not playing or playing. As long as I give back to the team, that’s what matters.”
Source: www.news.com.au
