Sivivatu Ready To Grasp Chance

New Zealand winger Sitiveni Sivivatu could well have salvaged his World Cup hopes with his impressive 50 minute try-scoring return to action for the All Blacks, in last week’s demolition of Fiji. The 29-year-old’s international career was thought to be all but dead after a disappointing few seasons during which he struggled with both injuries and a lack of form. After not playing for New Zealand in over two years, his performance against Fiji was all the more impressive, not to mention surprising following a disappointing season for the Chiefs.

All-Black’s head coach Graham Henry was the first to pour praise on the returning winger, admitting Sivivatu had been “the best player on the park” for the first half. The 43-cap back will now be given a chance to further enhance his World Cup chances this weekend, when South Africa are the opponents in the All Black’s opening game of this shortened Tri-Nations tournament. Those following the Betfair World Cup rugby betting will be wondering if he is set to make a full comeback.

With his international career looking set to end after the World Cup, following Sivivatu’s decision to ply his trade in France with Clermont next season, the winger will be hoping he can leave international rugby at the very top over the next few months. Those looking at the rugby union odds will know the All Blacks look poised for glory.

Sivivatu knows how important the next few weeks will be to his hopes of making Henry’s final 30-man squad. First up and the 29-year old will be hoping to follow up his encouraging return to action against Fiji when the All Black face South Africa this weekend. South Africa are coming off an opening game humbling at the hands of Australia and will be hoping to get their own World Cup preparations back on track.