Rugby World Cup: Wallabies well aware Fiji flyer Nemani Nadolo is realising potential

NEMANI Nadolo always had the potential to be a world-class star and Sekope Kepu says it was unfortunate Waratahs coaches didn’t believe him enough to keep him.

TOPSHOTS Fiji's wing Nemani Nadolo (C) runs during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between England and Fiji at Twickenham stadium in south west London on September 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE, NO USE IN LIVE MATCH TRACKING SERVICES, TO BE USED AS NON-SEQUENTIAL STILLS

NEMANI Nadolo always had the potential to be a world-class star as an up-and-comer in Australia and it was unfortunate Waratahs coaches didn’t believe in the 127kg winger enough to keep him.

That’s the view of Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu, who counts the giant Fijian winger as a good friend after the pair played together at Randwick and NSW dating back to 2009.

Nadolo was a standout for Fiji in their gallant loss to England in the World Cup opener, scoring one try, making strong breaks and even kicking goals. The comparisons with Jonah Lomu often made finally started to feel legitimate after the 27-year-old continued his stellar Super Rugby form for the Crusaders on the biggest stage in world rugby.

Nemani Nadolo runs hard at England fly-half George Ford.

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The Wallabies’ hopes of a smooth victory against Fiji on Thursday morning (EST) in Cardiff will rest on keeping Nadolo quiet but there will also be a “sliding doors” question mark posed when the Brisbane-born danger man plays against Australia.

Nadolo played for the Australian under 20s in 2008 and spent three years in Sydney club rugby and in the Waratahs academy, until 2010. He played for the Tahs in trials but never got a Super Rugby debut.

Nadolo left to play overseas - and for Fiji - and after stints in England, France and then Japan, was signed by the Crusaders last year. He has dominated since, topping the try-scoring list for two seasons.

“We played at Randwick together and I look back and he was always that player,” Kepu said.

“It was just unfortunate in 2011 when (then Waratahs coaches) Chris Hickey and Michael Foley didn’t want him so he left. He’s still a good mate of mine and to see his progress with what he’s done in Japan and come back and play for the Crusaders now and do really well in Super Rugby, that’s credit to him and his ability.

Nemani Nadolo proved a real handful for the England defence.

“He’s always been that kind of player with the X-factor – a big boy with a lot of skill. He’s one to watch and we’ve got systems to try to nullify his game and put him under a bit of heat. We’re just focusing on us and we need to front up in those areas: set piece, defence and attack.”

Asked if he could put his finger on why Nadolo had turned from a big kid with unfulfilled potential into a world-respected star, Kepu said it came down to someone believing in him.

“I guess with some guys, you just get an opportunity somewhere and someone likes you and you do well. You get given that half a chance or the opportunity and you snap it up,” he said.

“Maybe he didn’t get that opportunity at the Waratahs at the time, but I always sort of knew and I was following his progress around when he was travelling. I think he came to Exeter and went to Japan. He made the most of his opportunity over in Japan and hence why the Crusaders picked him up.”

As much he is pleased for his mate, Kepu will be more pleased to keep Nadolo and his danger out of the game in Cardiff.

Nemani Nadolo can kick goals as well.

“​He ​is a big guy and if you don’t look after him, you lose two or three players trying to stop him as you saw in the England game​,” he said.​

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“​If we can stop the ball getting out to him and make him come in and look for it, those are the other options you can do. We’ll sharpen up and get everything down pat.​”​

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Wallabies well aware Fiji flyer Nemani Nadolo is realising potential