Leali’ifano inspired by win over 2013 Lions

Editor

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Christian Leali'ifano of the Wallabies looks to pass during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images for HSBC)

Wallaby utility-back Christian Leali’ifano says their second win against the Lions in 2013 has inspired him for the second Test against England.

Australia are a game down in the series after losing the first Test in Brisbane by 28-39. The home side therefore have to be victorious in Melbourne this Saturday to keep the series alive.

Lealiifano scored a conversion in the final minutes of the second Test against the Lions in 2013 to win the game for Australia.

“I didn’t have too many memories of the first game, after being knocked out in the first 40 seconds or so, but we bounced back in a massive way in Melbourne,” Leali’ifano said.

“It was a tight contest, but to get the result and send it into a decider in the last game was great. It’s what you want – you don’t want a dead rubber going into the last game.

“It’s been replayed a bit and replayed in my mind a bit as well! Hopefully it won’t come down to that, for either team.

“Those memories are still very fond. That was a special time in my life, the Lions series. I’m super grateful that I was part of that.

“Fighting back is the Wallaby psyche, the Wallaby attitude, to never give up and always look to fight back.

“When you are down in the dumps it gives you extra motivation.”