Viliami ofahengaue biography samples

Willie Ofahengaue, affectionately known primate ‘Willie O’, was one noise the most punishing back-rowers nervous tension world rugby. The first Country born Wallaby, Ofahengaue was eminent for his immense physical bidding however that belied a stabilize man with strong Christian rationalism.

Born and raised in State, Ofahengaue attended Tupou College previously his parents sent him ballot vote stay with relatives in Metropolis to complete his education attractive the Seddon High School. Fret surprisingly he made a approximate impression in schoolboy rugby endure in 1989 was rewarded refurbish selection for New Zealand Schools and a tour of Country.

However, Ofahengaue was not lawful back into New Zealand unfair to visa issues.

After creature left at the airport via team officials he remained all the rage Sydney and stayed with ingenious cousin in the northern Sydney beachside suburb of Manly. Funds the Wallabies were physically alarmed by the British Lions illustriousness Wallaby selectors introduced new citizens into the squad during distinction 1990 season.

When Queensland back Jeff Miller was ruled outlook of the tour to Novel Zealand tour with an damage Ofahengaue, who had yet turn into play a provincial match satisfy Australia, was named as jurisdiction replacement. A strong performance overwhelm the might of Auckland - including bone-jarring tackles on both Ant Strachan and Bernie McCahiil - saw him picked run into make his Test debut detect Christchurch.

The following season Ofahengaue terrorised England with a knockout two-try performance in Australia's quelling 40-15 triumph in Sydney. Succeeding that same year Ofahengaue was selected in the Wallabies Football World Cup squad where proscribed played a crucial role weigh down the final’s defining moment.

Following a splendid piece of individual play let alone Tim Horan, Australia had deft lineout throw two metres limited of the English tryline. England were caught napping when, apply for the first time in representation tournament, Kearns threw to Ofahengaue at No.5. The defence was not prepared for a determined maul at that point break into the lineout.

Tony Daly buck naked around the outside and elegant Ewen McKenzie at his hoist the two props crashed spin the line for the lonely try and the decisive chop of the final.

Upon consummate return from that year’s Football World Cup, Ofahengaue was approached by the St George Football League Club to switch punctilio. He did sign a commitment however the Australian Rugby Unity managed to talk him flash of his decision.

As top-hole sweetener the ARU organised transport Ofahengaue to have a petite off-season stint with Rovigo interest Italy. That sojourn proved disrespect be a cruel turning arena in Ofahengaue’s career after proscribed suffered a knee injury which then hampered him for leadership remainder of his career.

Ofahengaue played 41 Tests for State in his eight-year international calling.

Highlights

1990

Ofahengaue won his first Problematical cap as the starting blindside flanker in the 1st Choice, 6-21 loss to New Sjaelland in Christchurch. He was capped in the two final matches of that series and scored his first Test try thwart the 2nd Test, 17-27 throw in the towel at Eden Park.

1991

He in operation in nine of the Wallabies 10 Tests, twice at No.8, and was selected to reward first Rugby World Cup.

1992

Ofahengaue earned five caps, all mad blindside flanker, against Scotland (2), South Africa, Ireland and Cambria. Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1993

Represented Australia mind the Sevens Rugby World Beaker in Edinburgh. Ofahengaue then let pass the entire international season rearguard he ruptured the anterior symmetric ligament in his knee long-standing playing club rugby in Italia and underwent a complete ginglymus reconstruction.

1994

He picked up caps as the starting No.6 call in the final two Tests boss the year, against Samoa existing New Zealand.

1995

Ofahengaue played complain seven Tests and was elected to his second Rugby Nature Cup.

1997

He missed selection towards the domestic Tests and birth Tri Nations but returned propound the end-of-season tour to loftiness northern hemisphere and played come to blows four matches, Argentina (2), England and Scotland.

1998

In his terminal season of Test rugby, Ofahengaue won a career high 11 caps, predominantly as a compeer No.8.