Koroibete's Adelaide Regret: 'No Time to Look Back' as Wallabies Target Redemption

2025-07-11
Koroibete's Adelaide Regret: 'No Time to Look Back' as Wallabies Target Redemption
Sydney Morning Herald

Marika Koroibete gazes across the River Torrens towards Adelaide Oval, a poignant reminder of a moment he’d rather forget. It was here, in Adelaide, that a costly tackle against the All Blacks last year proved pivotal, contributing to a Wallabies defeat and leaving a lingering sense of unfinished business. Now, with the Rugby World Cup looming, Koroibete insists there's no time for dwelling on the past – only a relentless focus on the future.

“It was a tough one, that tackle,” Koroibete admits, reflecting on the incident. “You learn from those mistakes. You analyse the footage, you work with the coaches, and you make sure it doesn’t happen again. But you can’t live in the past. We’ve got a World Cup to prepare for, and that’s all that matters.”

The tackle in question, a high shot on All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett, resulted in a penalty to New Zealand and sparked a period of intense pressure that the Wallabies ultimately couldn't withstand. While Koroibete hasn't shied away from acknowledging the error, he's adamant that it won't define his Wallabies career.

“I’ve moved on,” he states firmly. “It’s part of the game. You make mistakes, and you learn from them. The important thing is that we’re all working hard to improve as a team and to be ready for the challenges ahead.”

The Wallabies are currently in a period of intense training and preparation as they fine-tune their game plan for the World Cup in France. Eddie Jones has instilled a renewed sense of purpose within the squad, and Koroibete is relishing the opportunity to contribute to a successful campaign.

“Eddie’s brought a lot of energy and a lot of positivity to the team,” Koroibete says. “He’s demanding, but he’s also fair. He wants the best out of each of us, and we’re all committed to giving him that. We know we've got the talent and the potential to go far in this World Cup. We just need to execute our game plan and believe in ourselves.”

Koroibete's form this year has been impressive, showcasing his power, speed, and aerial ability. He's become a key figure in the Wallabies backline, providing both attacking threat and defensive solidity. His determination to atone for past errors is palpable, and his commitment to the team is unwavering.

Looking ahead, Koroibete is focused on making a positive impact in every game. He understands the importance of consistency and the need to perform under pressure. With the World Cup just around the corner, the stakes are higher than ever, but Koroibete is ready to answer the call.

“There’s no time to dwell on what happened in Adelaide,” he concludes. “We’re moving forward, focusing on the present, and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. We're hungry for success, and we're determined to make Australia proud.”

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