Muliaina delighted to be back in black
New Zealand international Mils Muliaina is delighted to be savouring a return to Test rugby – even if it comes against minnows Canada.
The Waikato and Chiefs full-back is back in the All Black jersey after a rollercoaster start to the World Cup year.
The Samoan-born utility back had suffered ankle and hamstring injuries to miss out on vital Super 14 and New Zealand matches.
“I’m really excited, it’s been a long time and I can’t wait to get out there,” he told The Dominion Post.
“It’s been a long year. I’m sick of being injured and I’ll tell you what, I’m not fatigued.
“The thing about this team is if you do your homework and know the game plan it’s pretty easy to slot back in. I’ve been around quite a bit so it’s been easy.”
Many in New Zealand expect a one-sided encounter, but Canada lock Mike Burak thinks the World Cup qualifiers can put on a good fight against the world’s number one ranked side.
“We are fairly confident. I felt like when we played the Maoris a couple of weeks ago in Northampton in the forwards, despite the large scoreline (59-23), we matched up reasonably well against them,” the Pau second-rower said.
“The forwards on this team, we pride ourselves on our game, on our physicality, so hopefully we can match up well against the All Blacks on Saturday night in that aspect as well.”
“This is a team I’ve watched for years and I’m finally going to get an opportunity to play against them so hopefully I can go out there and do some damage and hopefully Canada can put in a showing we can be proud of.”
