Pacific Cup 2024

[Blair]

I'm glad we use the word 'culture' or 'heritage' instead of 'race' when we talk about players choosing who to play for.

I remember my Maori teacher at Monrad Intermediate in PN being so proud of the NZ Maoris (the vernacular of the time) tour of Wales in 1982. He also looked his class squarely in the eye and added 'but I'm not comfortable with a race-based rugby side'.

It was quite raw back then, only a year after the Springbok Tour of course.

I also remember my old man going off during the international against Wales (which the 'Maoris' lost 25-18), 'wouldn't the All Blacks bowl these Welsh bastards!'

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

TBH, I don't think that Haas has the same mana (not sure of the Samoan equivalent word) amongst the NZ Samoans as what RTS has - he would be a bigger influence. And most of the Oz Samoans already play for Samoa anyway.

Actually yea fair point, RTS has massive standing doesn’t he. I think Gardiner said Roger was the catalyst for Nanai switching too.