Muliaina Retires as a Centurion
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October 11, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Mils Muliaina has retired from international rugby following a shoulder injury he sustained in the Argentina game on the weekend.
Muliaina, the Samoan-born full-back, has decided to draw an end to his All Blacks career after he injured his shoulder against the Pumas on Sunday. He managed to become the second New Zealander to achieve 100 caps for his nation but will not take part in any further competition for New Zealand because of a fractured shoulder.
This is a sad day for Muliana and New Zealand but at least he was able to make his 100th test cap and will be amongst the All Blacks’ top try scorers for a long time.
His injury came at a terrible time in the tournament but New Zealand need not fret as they have cover in the form of Israel Dagg, who will return from injury to take on Australia this weekend.
The All Blacks full-back said: “I’ve had a fantastic run and I’m just really privileged to be an All Black and really proud to be a New Zealander … I really wanted to finish in a couple of weeks’ time but its not to be. Bitter disappointment but I have enjoyed my time and met some amazing people.”
New Zealand will now take on the Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday at 9.00 BST. This will be a hard game for the All Blacks but if they win they will stay on task for their first World Cup in 24 years.
By Jonathan Davies
[Image courtesy of Luton Anderson]
