Latest news with #MoanaPasifika
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Scott Robertson's All Blacks: The promising signs from series win
Banishing the second-half blues Down 19-17 at halftime, the All Blacks saved their best for the last 40 minutes. The confidence in the team grew as the game went on. Even captain Ardie Savea was slightly out of sorts in the first quarter, but by the end of the match he was providing the sort of inspirational leadership he did for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific. And if you wanted a perfect example of how confidence can grow even in the cauldron of a test, it was provided by hooker Brodie McAlister in his international debut. His first three throws to the lineout were stolen by the French. But he and the jumpers settled, the combinations started working and in the 76th minute, McAlister had the dream moment for a new All Black. The hooker slid across the damp grass for a try in his first test, pushing his side out to an unbeatable 27-19 lead. Damian McKenzie converted to seal the match. No, it's not the All (Red And) Blacks If anything, Robertson and his selectors were tough on Crusaders during this series. Crusaders captain David Havili missed out in a crowded midfield selection and Ethan Blackadder, the pick of the loose forwards from both teams when the Crusaders beat the Chiefs in the Super final, will hopefully get the shot he deserves before the year is out. Star of the series Step up Fabian Holland, the 22-year-old lock who showed in three stellar performances that he has the mental hardness to go with his range of huge physical gifts and impressive skills. At their best, All Blacks World Cup teams have had outstanding locks ranging from Gary Whetton and Murray Pierce in 1987 to Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock in 2011 and Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in 2015. At the risk of putting far too much pressure on a young man at the start of his international career, Holland is surely a player around whom they can build the pack for the 2027 World Cup. Fabian Holland has been impressive for the All Blacks in the series against France. Photo / Photosport Welcome back Jordie Barrett didn't enter the contest in Hamilton until the 54th minute, but his impact at second five-eighths was dramatic. It's not completely out of the question to say he possibly saved the match with terrific cover defence, and then sealed it with a startling moment on attack. First, with just 22 minutes to go, he managed to haul the quicksilver French wing Émilien Gailleton over the sideline and save a try that would have put the visitors ahead 24-22. That touch of defensive brilliance was matched offensively when Barrett sent McAlister over for the try that sealed things for New Zealand. It can be easy to forget how big and strong Barrett is. Before slipping the perfect pass to McAllister, he fended off the 135kg French lock, Romain Taofifénua, with the ease of someone swatting away a pesky fly at a picnic. The All Blacks have Quinn Tupaea offering huge physicality, the promise demonstrated by Timoci Tavatavanawai and, in the background, the great rugby intelligence of David Havili. If there's one position in the side that suddenly feels well resourced it's second five-eighths. Why the ref was right A minor controversy has arisen over the massive cross-field pass by Will Jordan to Sevu Reece that ultimately led to the try on the stroke of halftime by Anton Leinert-Brown. Replays show that where Reece received the ball he was well in front of where Jordan was when he threw the pass. Quite correctly the pass was not called forward by referee Angus Gardiner. Why? Because for several years now the key issue in the rules is whether the ball was travelling backwards when it left the passer's hands. That judgment is usually made by checking whether the passer's fingers are pointing towards his or her own goal-line. Both of Jordan's hands are pointing at the New Zealand line. Conspiracy corner Given that conspiracy theories are dominating world political headlines it was perhaps inevitable that rugby in the past couple of weeks has had its share. French coach Fabien Galthié didn't hold back with the French media after the second test was lost in Wellington. He claimed incorrect refereeing cost the French two penalty tries. The weird touch was that he then swore he was actually 'not complaining', and I think he probably meant it. For me it was a wonderful reminder that the French, in rugby and life, look at the world very differently from us. I still have memories of the salacious delight my schoolmates and I took from a story in the Herald by the great Terry McLean when the French first toured here in 1961. In Nelson, at the first training session a forward needed to relieve himself. He didn't seek out the privacy of a toilet, McLean reported, but instead strolled to the nearest goal post and peed on it. Vive la difference, as they say. France head coach Fabien Galthié said he was "not complaining" about the referees. Photo / Photosport No complaints On the other hand there can be no real complaints from the New Zealand under-20 side about their 23-15 loss to South Africa in the final of the world tournament in Italy. It was still a terrific effort by the Kiwi side to make the final, having to overcome a potent French side 26-24 in their semifinal. It was the first time since 2017 New Zealand had reached the final. France in particular have benefitted at test level from under-20 graduates. Hopefully we may soon do the same. Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME. He is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
'First Priority Should Be Samoa Or Tonga' - Pacific Rugby Players Choose Club Over Country
Manu Samoa vs Scotland Kickoff: 8:05pm Friday, 18 July Eden Park, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Provincial pay cheques are continuing to cost the Pacific Islands their top talent. Samoa kick off their international season against Scotland in Auckland on Friday night, however with some notable omissions from their line-up. Miracle Faiilagi, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Jonathan Taumateine, Lalomilo Lalomilo and Neria Fomai have all made themselves unavailable for the test, opting to focus on club commitments with the NPC kicking off on 31 July. With NPC contracts worth more than what Samoa can offer, players are forced to choose club over country. Samoa forward coach Census Johnston was disappointed by the snub, particularly on the back of Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby rise. "It has been a bit of a subject at the moment, you think teams like Moana are there for to develop Samoan, and Tongan players, they should make themselves available and their first priority should be Samoa or Tonga." However, Johnston understood the reasons behind the players opting to skip the Scotland test. "They've got to make money for their families. But that's probably where we need to look at with World Rugby in terms of trying to make sure there is a bit more funding for those boys to make sure that they do choose country over club." Samoan stalwart Rodney Iona said the squad had enough depth to compensate and said there was no ill-will toward the unavailable players. "Obviously everyone's got their own reasons, but it's something that doesn't hurt the team. Boys will choose what they need to do and what they have to do whether it's family or whatever. The new boys that have come in and filled those spots are ready to go and I can see the keenness and throughout the week I felt like boys have stepped up and really taken on those roles. So, no hard feelings. Whatever the case is, it's all good. We've got boys that are representing the jersey now." The situation is yet another setback for Pasifika rugby, with recent questions raised regarding the Moana Pasifika's financial future. Johnston said Moana's demise would mark yet another significant blow to Pasifika rugby. "I'm not in their camp, but I've had a couple of chats with everybody, they've done something really special this season and it'd be a shame for them to not be able to front up for the following season. I'm hoping they do pull through, but who knows?"
ABC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Manu Samoa's new coach, Tusi Pisi, urges his players to make a statement as he takes the reins for the first time against Scotland at Eden Park.
Manu Samoa will take to the field at their home away from home in Auckland to play Scotland, with former team captain Tusi Pisi taking the reins as head coach. It'll be Samoa's first match for quite some time, after they bailed out of their traditional northern hemisphere tour last November because their rugby union couldn't afford to send them to Europe. However when it came to picking a squad to face the Scots, the new set-up has already encountered some old problems. A number of players have opted out of representing their country in favour of focusing on club rugby in New Zealand, and that group includes one of Moana Pasifika's success stories from the Super Rugby season just ended, Miracle Faiilagi
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
'First priority should be Samoa or Tonga' - Pacific rugby players choose club over country
Samoa kick off their international season against Scotland in Auckland tomorrow night, however with some notable omissions from their lineup. Photo: Manu Samoa Manu Samoa vs Scotland Kickoff: 8:05pm Friday, 18 July Eden Park, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Provincial pay cheques are continuing to cost the Pacific Islands their top talent. Samoa kick off their international season against Scotland in Auckland on Friday night, however with some notable omissions from their line-up. Miracle Faiʻilagi, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Jonathan Taumateine, Lalomilo Lalomilo and Neria Fomai have all made themselves unavailable for the test, opting to focus on club commitments with the NPC kicking off on 31 July. With NPC contracts worth more than what Samoa can offer, players are forced to choose club over country. Samoa forward coach Census Johnston was disappointed by the snub, particularly on the back of Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby rise. "It has been a bit of a subject at the moment, you think teams like Moana are there for to develop Samoan, and Tongan players, they should make themselves available and their first priority should be Samoa or Tonga." However, Johnston understood the reasons behind the players opting to skip the Scotland test. "They've got to make money for their families. But that's probably where we need to look at with World Rugby in terms of trying to make sure there is a bit more funding for those boys to make sure that they do choose country over club." Samoan stalwart Rodney Iona said the squad had enough depth to compensate and said there was no ill-will toward the unavailable players. "Obviously everyone's got their own reasons, but it's something that doesn't hurt the team. Boys will choose what they need to do and what they have to do whether it's family or whatever. The new boys that have come in and filled those spots are ready to go and I can see the keenness and throughout the week I felt like boys have stepped up and really taken on those roles. So, no hard feelings. Whatever the case is, it's all good. We've got boys that are representing the jersey now." The situation is yet another setback for Pasifika rugby, with recent questions raised regarding the Moana Pasifika's financial future. Johnston said Moana's demise would mark yet another significant blow to Pasifika rugby. "I'm not in their camp, but I've had a couple of chats with everybody, they've done something really special this season and it'd be a shame for them to not be able to front up for the following season. I'm hoping they do pull through, but who knows?" Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Umaga, Jones among six Manu Samoa debutants for Scotland showdown
Six players are set to make their debuts on Friday. Photo: Lakapi Samoa Manu Samoa vs Scotland Kickoff: 8:05pm Friday, 18 July Eden Park, Auckland Manu Samoa have named two of their young prospects to debut against Scotland on Friday night at the famous Eden Park in Auckland. One-cap England representative Jacob Umaga will run in at the key first five position. Umaga, initially recruited by then-coach Eddie Jones to the English side in 2020, made his only appearance for the Red Roses in July 2021, coming off the bench in England's 43-29 win over the United States. His dad Mike Umaga won 13 caps for Manu Samoa and also played at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. His uncle, All Blacks legend Tana Umaga, is the current head coach of Moana Pasifika. The Yorkshire-born 26-year-old can play both fly-half and fullback. Called up by the new Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi at the end of May, Jacob has been given the opportunity to mastermind the team's attack against Scotland. Jacob Umaga will run in at the key first five position. Photo: Lakapi Samoa Another player who is likely to make his debut is Moana Pasifika squad member Niko Jones, son of former All Blacks great Sir Michael Jones. Niko has been named on the bench. He has been in the Moana Pasifika system for two years. Assistant coach and former Manu Samoa prop Census Johnson said the duo's inclusion and test debuts will be special, especially playing at Eden Park in front of family and fans. "It's a special moment for them and their families, obviously, from big rugby families. It's just an opportunity for them showcase what they've got," Johnson told RNZ Pacific at the team's captain's run on Thursday morning. "Talking with Niko over the last week or so, it's a great opportunity for him to be able to play at home, but also in front of his family. "He hasn't had much game time, so just to be able to showcase his talents, which I don't think he has been able to the last couple of years, is something special for him." Niko Jones, son of former All Blacks great Sir Michael Jones. Photo: Lakapi Samoa Six players are set to make their debuts on Friday. The other four are hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue, fullback Latrell Ah Kiong, front-row cover Kaynan Siteine-Tua and backline cover Connor Tupa'i. The Manu Samoa squad, led by Saracens loose forward Theo McFarland, comprises players from clubs based in seven different countries. Pisi said earlier this week he wants to see the side implement their game plan and set the pace for the rest of their campaign this year. "The immediate goal is to qualify for the World Cup," Pisi said, adding that building habits that would help them achieve that is important. "For this game coming up, it is going to be about instilling habits we want to see, being consistent in what we are trying to build our game on." The Manu Samoa squad, led by Saracens loose forward Theo McFarland, comprises players from clubs based in seven different countries. Photo: Lakapi Samoa Johnson said the squad has been preparing well and the players are keen to get out and play test footy. "We're always given short periods of time to prepare, and sometimes you just gotta deal with what you've got to deal with, and we know there's just no excuse to trying to squeeze everything in," he said about their short preparation time. "But it's just having having that time to really just knuckle knuckle down and have the boys sitting together and spend a bit of time and talk about gameplay stuff. So it's been good so far. "You know, we're not kidding ourselves with what we're up against, against Scotland, you know that they're a European system, and we know where we have to front up." Scotland, who will be playing their last three-tour matches, have a win against the Maori All Blacks and a loss to Fiji so far. They have named British & Irish Lions bound loosehead prop Rory Sutherland and hooker Ewan Ashman in their staring lineup. The duo are set to fly out to Melbourne to join the combined British and Irish side, who are currently going through their Australia tour. In some changes to the lineup that lost to Fiji, head coach Gregory Townsend has left out Tom Jordan, after he fractured his hand in Suva last weekend. Rory Hutchinson and Stafford McDowall will be the new centre pairing, with Cameron Redpath's place in the centres also taken off him. Gregor Brown replaces Marshall Sykes in the second row and pairs up with Grant Gilchrist, while Andy Onyeama-Christie returns to the starting line-up on the side of the scrum. Christie replaces Jamie Ritchie, who hurt his foot and was replaced after 21 minutes against Fiji last Saturday. In a 6-2 split on the bench, prop Fin Richardson is in line for his first cap. Manu Samoa: 1. Aki Seiuli, 2. Pita Anae-Ah Sue, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Theo McFarland (captain), 7. Jonah Mau'u, 8. Taleni Seu, 9. Melani Matavao, 10. Jacob Umaga, 11. Tomasi Alosio, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Duncan Paia'aua, 14. Tuna Tuitama, 15. Latrell Ah Kiong; Bench: 16. Luteru Tolai, 17. Kaynan Siteine-Tua, 18. Marco Fepuleai, 19. Michael Curry, 20. Niko Jones, 21. Iakopo Mapu, 22. Connor Tupa'i, 23. Rodney Iona Scotland: 1. Rory Sutherland, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Elliot Millar Mills, 4. Gregor Brown, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Andy Onyeama-Christie, 7. Rory Darge (captain), 8. Matt Fagerson, 9. Jamie Dobie, 10. Fergus Burke, 11. Arron Reed, 12. Stafford McDowall, 13. Rory Hutchinson, 14. Kyle Steyn, 15. Kyle Rowe; Bench: 16. George Turner, 17. Nathan McBeth, 18. Fin Richardson, 19. Cameron Henderson, 20. Marshall Sykes, 21. Ben Muncaster, 22. George Horne, 23. Adam Hastings
