THAT Marika tackle: Koroibete reacts after freakish try-saver

Sat, Aug 27, 2022, 9:37 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies welcomed South Africa to Adelaide.

It echoed memories of George Gregan but Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete admits he was just doing his job after his incredible try-saving tackle during their win over the Springboks.

Dave Rennie's men bounced back with a 25-17 victory over the world champions, with Koroibete's effort in the first half a key turning point.

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Down his fellow winger Tom Wright, Koroibete raced over and clobbered Makazole Mapimpi right under the ribs, sending him tumbling into touch.

It's the type of play that energised even the newest Rugby fan in Adelaide.

For Marika, it was just doing what his team needed.

“A tackle just had to be made,” Koroibete told Stan Sport

“We were down a man so I had to cover the opposite side so I just put my body on the line there for the boys.

“I was just lucky enough to make the try-saving tackle.”

His teammate and returning flyhalf Noah Lolesio has little doubt about where he sits within World Rugby.

“I reckon he’s the best winger in the world so it’s a pleasure to play inside or outside him," he said after the match to Stan Sport.

“He’s a freak and I’m just happy I’m one of his team-mates and not opposing him.”

"One thing I know about Marika is that he's going to put his body on the line for his teammates and for his country and for the jersey," captain James Slipper added.

"He's a player we all enjoy having in the squad - he picks us up." 

The performance and victory was just what the Wallabies needed after their disappointments in San Juan, forced to do serious soul searching in the build-up.

“We had a few days off and we came back early this week. We had a good review on ourselves, how embarrassing it was a couple weeks ago,” Koroibete believes.

“We had an honest conversation and the boys stepped up for each other and got the job done.

“It was good to get it done against one of the best in the world, we want to test ourselves at the highest level.”

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