By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
Selected as one of the 44-strong All Blacks side to embark on Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa and USA, lock Sa’u Patrick Tuipulotu gives a nod to those who have paved the way for the wealth of Pacific talent in Aotearoa.
Hailing from Samoa (Togafuafua and Apolima), and born in New Zealand, Sa’u says the likes of Tuifa‘asisina Sir Bryan Williams have led the way for Pacific players to progress to elite levels, while contributing to New Zealand rugby.
It has been over five decades since Tuifa‘asisina became the first modern-era Pacific All Black, making his debut during the historic 1970 tour to South Africa, where he was granted “honorary white status” under apartheid.
Rugby and culture
Sa’u, who at 33 years old, has played 57 Test matches for New Zealand, says Pacific culture plays a huge part of his rugby life.
“It plays a big part in terms of believing in who I am and staying strong in my cultural roots back to Samoa,” he adds.
“I’m a New Zealand-born Samoan and there are a lot of other teammates who are in the same boat as me, I think we’re very proud of where we come from.
“You look at how many Pacific Island heritage players who have donned the Black Jersey and contributed to the success of New Zealand Rugby.
“It is a pretty big number and I’m proud to be one of those alongside my teammates who are of Pacific heritage.”
Huge task ahead
It is 30 years since the All Blacks have toured South Africa, where they will face eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks.
Coined “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour”, this expedition is a tough ask of any player, and Sa’u says despite the iconic history surrounding the tours of South Africa, it is something new for him and his teammates and bound to be an eye-opener.
“For the Black Jersey, being away for seven weeks in South Africa, playing four Test matches against the best team in the world, it is quite a hard feat…it’s a good challenge.
“For a lot of the young men in this group, it’ll be their first time to South Africa and first time seeing something different outside of New Zealand and the Pacific.”
Family, faith and culture
On a tour such as this one, it is vital to stay grounded, and Sa’u says it is his family, faith and culture that help him to stay motivated and on-track.
“I know a lot of us understand the sacrifice that our families, our forebearers, have made to come to New Zealand for a better opportunity and I think their decision and sacrifice are coming to fruition now,” he says.
“A lot of us, second, third generation Samoans or Pacific Islanders…we’re making the most of the opportunity we have now where we’re representing New Zealand Aotearoa, but also Samoa, Tonga and the rest of the Pacific region.
“It means a lot to be named on this tour.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Fixtures (NZST):
- August 8, 5am: All Blacks v Stormers, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- August 12, 5am: All Blacks v Sharks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- August 16, 5am: All Blacks v Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- August 23, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)
- August 26, 5am: All Blacks v Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- August 30, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (second Test)
- September 6, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third Test)
- September 13, 9am: All Blacks v Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (fourth Test).
On September 5, the Black Ferns will face the Springbok Women at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, at 11:30pm NZST, in the curtain-raiser for the men’s Test.
Thanks to support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pasifika TV in partnership with Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, is proud to screen Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour LIVE to affiliated broadcasters in the region.
For more information, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.