Crusader Samu on wanted list for Wallabies
Pete Samu wouldn’t look out of place in a Wallabies jumper.
Reports from across the Tasman suggest Samu, who will start at blindside flanker for the Crusaders against the Waratahs in Christchurch this evening, is being hotly pursued by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. And that shouldn’t come as a great surprise to anyone.
Cheika is hunting for personnel ahead of next year’s World Cup tournament in Japan and, given Samu was born and raised in Melbourne, a transition into the green and gold colours would be relatively uncomplicated if all parties agreed to a deal.
Whether Samu, who made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2016, will follow the example of England-bound Brad Shields is yet to be determined. But playing for Australia is clearly an option.
‘‘I am definitely considering my options,’’ Samu confirmed. ‘‘But my priority at the moment is the Crusaders campaign, that is my sole focus. I leave all that stuff to my agent, he handles that.’’
The 25 year old, an explosive ball carrier, could provide real value to the Wallabies back row and the concept of earning extra payments as an international, as well as playing in packed stadiums around the planet, must hold great appeal.
And the fact Samu is off contract with the Crusaders at the end of this season also clears the path for him to shift back to Australia to join a Super Rugby squad ahead of the World Cup.
Unlike Shields, who was born in New Zealand but has English parents, Samu has intimate knowledge of the Aussie culture.
He was briefly a member of the Waratahs training squad under then-coach Michael Foley but it wasn’t until he was invited to play for the Tasman province in 2014 by Tony Lewis, previously the boss of the Randwick club in Sydney and now the CEO of Tasman, that he considered a move from Australia.
‘‘I played in Sydney for two or three years. Then the coach of Tasman at the time, Kieran Keane, gave me a call to say there was an available spot there so I came across to Nelson,’’ Samu said.
‘‘I have no regrets, no way. I think New Zealand has given me the best opportunity with my rugby. Moving over has been the best thing I have done.’’
During his brief stint at the Waratahs, Samu mixed with future Crusaders tighthead prop Mike Alaalatoa, who is also eligible for the Wallabies but recently re-signed with the Christchurch-based team until 2020.
Aussie teams continue to endure a torrid ride against the New Zealand teams in Super Rugby, with 38
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straight losses an embarrassing statistic that is expected to be extended against the Crusaders.
Given his background Samu must look at the situation with some bemusement, but issued a reminder that his job was to help the Crusaders defend their title.
‘‘I think the competitive part takes over. It’s good for us [the Crusaders],’’ he laughed. ‘‘There are still quality sides across the Tasman. I just don’t focus on it unless we are playing them.’’
As a youngster Samu supported the Wallabies. His parents, he says, flew the flag for the All Blacks. His dad was born in America Samoa, his mum in Samoa. They lived in Auckland for a time and later shifted to Melbourne.
The numbers don’t paint a bright picture for the Waratahs ahead of this match at AMI Stadium, with the Crusaders winning 13 of their last 15 games against the Sydney team.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has to be optimistic: ‘‘If we can be at our best I believe we can win and players believe that. It’s that challenge – making sure we deliver when we need to and for us it’s the biggest game of the season. We know what we’re in for. They’re playing some really solid football, both in attack and defence, and we know we’re going to have to do our best to compete because they contest everything and compete hard.’’