Leali'ifano notches up 1,000 Super Rugby points

WELLINGTON : Former Wallabies flyhalf Christian Leali'ifano became the seventh player to score 1,000 points in Super Rugby when he slotted a penalty for Moana Pasifika against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday.

Leali'ifano steered the ball between the posts in the 46th minute of the contest in Auckland to join Dan Carter, Morne Steyn, Beauden Barrett, Elton Jantjies, Bernard Foley and Stirling Mortlock in passing the mark.

The popular 34-year-old's son was on hand for a celebratory kiss after the youngster carried the kicking tee onto the Mount Smart Stadium pitch for the milestone moment.

"To see him bring the tee out for the penalty, I was sort of blown away," Leali'ifano said.

"It was a really special moment to see my little man out there, he's the whole reason I play the game."

Leali'ifano needed a bone marrow transplant from his sister in 2016 after being diagnosed with leukaemia but battled back to resume his career and represent Australia at the 2019 World Cup.

His two conversions and two penalties were not enough to secure a victory for Moana, however, as the Waratahs came from 17-0 down to secure their first win in New Zealand for more than seven years by the margin of 26-20.

"I'd much prefer a win with the team than individual accolades, but it was a really special moment for me and the family," Leali'ifano added.

Most of Leali'ifano's Super Rugby career was played at the ACT Brumbies, who remained in second place in the competition behind the Auckland Blues after a 38-28 win at the Waikato Chiefs later on Saturday.

Leali'ifano's former halfback partner for club and country Nic White was outstanding in Hamilton as the Brumbies outmuscled the Chiefs to cement their position as Australia's best side.

In Friday