Sick relative inspired Speight’s brace

A visit to a sick relative in hospital served as a timely reminder to Brumbies winger Henry Speight that there’s more to life than Super Rugby.

The Fijian flyer scored a brace against the Bulls last Friday and said it was a trip back home to catch up with family and friends in the week of the bye that proved the inspiration.

“Seeing a close of relative of mine in hospital was a bit of a wake-up call and made me think there’s people worse off compared to my situation,” he revealed on Monday.

“So I decided to come back and play for them.

“There was a bit of motivation in that and I was a bit more relaxed and chilled going into the game.”

Coach Stephen Larkham said post-match Speight had a clear determination to have a big game versus the Bulls – and that’s exactly what he did.

His double helped keep alive the Brumbies’ hopes of a finals berth this year and ended a scoring drought that stretched back to Anzac Day.

He said his family loved watching his tries.

“They loved it and I loved crossing the line as well,” he said.

“But it’s all for the team, for the fans, for the organisation and for the family who has always been there.

“I’m just the lucky one receiving the pass and going over the line.”

Speight said he hopes to continue his form and being level-headed against the Western Force in Perth on Friday.

“If it means stealing more lollies from office staff, then so be it,” he joked.

“But if it’s a good formula, I’m just going to stick with it; be relaxed and go into the game with a bit of hunger.”

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