“When he [Schmidt] was selecting teams, he was nice enough to give me a call, and I guess just to tell me that I didn’t do enough for the Tahs that year, which is fair enough,” Foketi said.
“I’m probably my harshest critic, and I didn’t really expect to be in there. It’s an ego hit when you get the call saying you’re not on the team, but I quickly brushed that off and focused on what was next.
“We had a few conversations, but obviously that tip tackle didn’t help me. But I’ve said it before, it kind of summed up my whole year.”
Lalakai Foketi speaks to the media ahead of the visit of the Fijian Drua on Friday.Credit: Getty Images
After missing out on the Wallabies for The Rugby Championship and the spring tour, Foketi focused on what he could control, impressing McKellar in one of the toughest pre-seasons he has completed.
McKellar now believes Foketi is in the best shape of his career and the centre played 80 minutes alongside Joey Walton in his side’s round one victory over the Highlanders.
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This Friday Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to retain his place at fullback against the Drua.
With Suaalii excelling for the Wallabies at centre, Foketi is confident he could also slot into the midfield if needed at Super Rugby level.
“He [Suaalii] can play anywhere: he played fullback, for the Wallabies he jumped in at 13, and I think for us as a group, it’s just trying to get confidence out there with whoever we’re playing with,” Foketi said.
