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Random Cryptocurrency labelled a 'scam' appears on the field in Maori All Blacks versus Samoa test
By Sam Smith
In a first for rugby and perhaps professional sport, a bizarre cryptocurrency has managed to get advertising space on the field during the Maori All Blacks versus Manu Samoa test match.
The Cryptocurrency 'Safemoon', a token that has received attention from US personalities Jake Paul and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, was seen emblazoned on the field inside the Maori All Blacks' 22 during the broadcast.
Portnoy himself said the coin 'could be a Ponzi' after claiming he wanted to become the coin's leader.
"It could be a Ponzi scheme," he said. "Everyone's Ponzi, Ponzi, Ponzi—it's early, if it is a Ponzi, get in on the ground floor. I like the word 'moon' because that’s where I want to go."
It is unclear just how the controversial coin got the green light to advertise during the match, or why they chose to use rugby as the sport to promote, but it appears they have a relationship with Samoa Rugby.
The Samoa Rugby Twitter account tweeted a 'shoutout' to the sponsor along with a hashtag to buy the coin, indicating that Safemoon may have stepped in as one of the team's sponsors.
Crypto exchanges who offer buy and sell services, have creeped into the US Sports markets with stadium and other naming rights deal, but rarely has a coin paid to promote itself in professional sports.
The crypto coin, which trades at a fraction of a cent, became popular on social media platforms like TikTok which led to a parabolic rise in mid-to-late April. It has fallen dramatically since, collapsing over 60 per cent from the peak.
Safemoon has come under criticism from many in the space as a ponzi scheme, with Kiwi crypto enthusiast Lark Davis calling it 'insane' and saying that 'people really love ponzis'.
In another tweet, Davis likened the crypto to a Ponzi, comparing it to the failed platform BitConnect.
"Remember just because you make money off of a Ponzi does not change the fact that it is a Ponzi," Davis said, adding "#safemoon."
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Latest Comments
Just how many losses are the RFU prepared to accept before realising Borthwick is no-ones idea of a top coach .
If he is led by stats , then why is ford in the 23 again .
Surely Furbank should have been on the bench with his ability to play in three positions to fords only one .
Talk about not knowing his idea of moving the team forward.
Steward , lovely player , but to keep chopping about just makes the team adjusting to different personnel .
Will S Africa give Borthwick the runaround and NOT kick chase .
Go to commentsI cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.
This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.
A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.
Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.
When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.
Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.
The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.
I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.
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