New jersey springs new hope for Kuridrani

A sniff of the tryline might open the door to a Rugby World Cup dream for Fijian hopeful Chris Kuridrani.

The former Reds winger scored his first try in Fijian colours in the in the side’s 17-12 Group C loss to the Brumbies at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.

Kuridrani swoop on a hacked cross-field kick to give Fiji the upper hand in the second half against the Brumbies.

His five-pointer was a fitting reward for a busy game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium where he played 25 Super Rugby matches for the Reds.

Despite being squeezed out of the Reds’ squad by a new wave of flying outside backs, the 26-year-old hopes his appearance for the Fijian Tens side could lead to a Test call-up on the road to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“Bit different coming out to Suncorp in a different jersey … It was so good to wear the jersey with pride and I hope there’s more appearances to go,” said the brother of Fijian star Nemani Nadolo.

“Hopefully (I can play at the World Cup). We’ll see how we go.”

Kuridrani was heavily involved and has apparently lost none of his finishing pace.

“I certainly didn’t think I had the wheels. Maybe the wind was pushing me from the back,” he said.

Dual international Andrew Walker, 44, made a second half appearance as a wildcard for the Brumbies who fought back from behind to steal the win.

Walker has lost none of his touch, showing slick hands on several occasions, but it was former Force back Chance Peni who scored the match-winner..