1
How Pasifika inclusion in Super Rugby could make Samoa world-beaters once again
By AAP
New Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua is crossing his fingers that talk of a Pasifika team in Super Rugby comes to fruition as he says it would enhance local player development and improve the national team's performances.
New Zealand Rugby have said they were keen for a Pasifika side to join a new Super Rugby competition but are yet to make any concrete decision on where the team would be based or whether it would be run by national unions or a private group.
Mapusua, who was appointed earlier this month, told Reuters this week that one of his key messages to the selection panel was to increase the local player pool and focus on improving pathways to the national team.
"Development on the island is massive for me," he said from Dunedin. "That's a big part of the foundation of the national team.
"We can't have a professional competition in Samoa, we have to look outside (so) having Samoan players in a professional competition, as close to home as they can be is massive in terms of preparation and improving the national side.
"They will be playing in one of the toughest, if not the toughest, competition in the world."
The 40-year-old former midfield back is the fourth head coach in the past four years at Samoa, who struggled to consistently field a full-strength side in the last World Cup cycle and ended up having to beat Germany to qualify.
They only beat Russia at the global showpiece in Japan and were a far cry from the level of performances that have seen them beat Tier One nations like Wales, Australia and Scotland.
To get to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Samoa must beat Tonga in a two-legged playoff for the fourth Oceania spot - New Zealand, Australia and Fiji have already qualified - or face another qualifier against an Asian side.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode
5
Latest Comments
HAHAHAHA typical.. there is no where near 90% of the top players in Europe Nick. Those playing in Brazil and Argentina still are probably better that 90% of the none top 5 european leagues.
Even just because these australians are in Europe, does not make them better than those at home. And that goes for nearly all the nations with heavy representation in europe.
What you're trying to say is europe is were 90% of the money in football is, that would get your point across better.
Go to commentsScott Robertson wants his men to push through and sight their targets to help minimise errors from rushed and frustrating brain explosions.
This test match will highlight if the entire coaching staff can select from the All Blacks sqaud, a team capable of producing the necessary and silencing their critics.
Go the All Blacks...looking to have the rub of green again vs Ireland... onwards and upwards.
Go to comments