Dungannon to fore as Nelson takes on Ta’avao’s
DUNGANNON native Peter Nelson will face the All Blacks at the World Cup tomorrow having retained his place in the Canada side for the contest in Oita (kickoff 11.15am UK time).
The former Ulster player, who left his native province after 60 pro appearances this summer, will again be at 10 having looked bright in his side’s heavy defeat to Italy in Fukuoka last week.
Somewhat incredibly, Nelson won’t be the only player with Dungannon ties on the pitch, Angus Ta’avao having been selected to start at tighthead for the backto-back world champions.
The Chiefs prop spent a year in County Tyrone as a ‘Dilworth tutor’ at Royal School Dungannon.
James Dilworth was born in August 1815 and educated at Royal School Dungannon before moving to Auckland in his 20s, where he made his fortune.
Upon his death, his will stipulated a trust be established to set up a school in New Zealand and a policy of exchange students with Royal School Dungannon was soon established, one of which was Ta’avao after he arrived in 2008.
When Ta’avao played against Ireland in the Aviva Stadium a year ago, he had a group of supporters from his one-time home town and has proven popular in Japan too after a clip of him dancing when the Kiwi squad was being introduced on local TV was widely shared online.
“When the music started playing, it was just me being me,” he said.
“It was just a bit awkward with us standing there so I thought I’ll just dance a bit, then what happened happened. It’s pretty important to be yourself and have fun when it’s time to have fun — but then you’re back in the team, it’s back to work.”
Meanwhile, Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett will become the first trio of brothers to appear for New Zealand at a World Cup when they face Canada.
The Barretts will also become only the second trio of brothers to start a World Cup match for any nation, following Tongan siblings Elisi, Manu and Fe’ao Vunipola in the 1995 clash with Scotland.
The three Pisi brothers — Ken, Tusi and George — all played for