Naholo ready for Irish in London
Former All Black Waisake Naholo said he did not dwell too much on missing selection for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Naholo, 28, leaves New Zealand next week to take up a threeyear contract with London Irish.
‘‘It was amazing being involved in the 2015 World Cup and I was disappointed not be chosen for the All Blacks for Japan,’’ he said.
‘‘But it was not too hard to get my motivation back to play.
‘‘I wanted to get back on the field for Taranaki and do my best for the team.’’
Naholo will leave behind plenty of good memories playing for Taranaki, the Highlanders and All Blacks.
He played a total of 44 games for Taranaki between 2011-2019 and scored 19 tries.
In between he played two games for the Blues, and later wore the Highlanders jersey in 62 games, scoring 45 tries.
Naholo also played 27 matches for the All Backs, scoring 16 tries.
There were also 11 games for Whanganui in 2009 before he arrived in Taranaki.
The flying Fijian was a favourite with the home crowds wherever he played – Yarrow Stadium or Forsyth Barr Stadium.
There are not many rugby wingers who can get a crowd chanting your name as happened with the ‘Wai-Sake Naholo’ song.
‘‘I don’t know how it started but it seemed to follow me wherever I played,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s not hard to hear what the crowd is saying when you are on the field, especially on the wing.
‘‘I found it better to relax if I smiled, or waved to someone, but you switch back on to your job pretty quickly.
‘‘I found it easier to express myself a bit more.’’
He rated the length-of-the-field try in the 80th minute for Taranaki against Tasman in the 2014 premiership semifinal as one of the best he has scored.
‘‘I still have Marty Banks, (Tasman first five, and Highlanders team-mate) on about that,’’ he said.
‘‘I never let him forget it.’’ Current Japan assistant coach Tony Brown was one of Naholo’s favourite coaches.
‘‘He brings out the best in players and he knows different players’ skills and what each of us can do.’’
All Black coach Steve Hansen also had the same ability with players, he said.
‘‘He is hard man but he can also bring the best out of you.
‘‘I was a bit scared of him but he was always good for a laugh.’’
Taranaki coaches Colin Cooper and Willie Rickard focused on family and were both well liked, he said.
‘‘I’ve always loved being in Taranaki. There’s been some great moments – the 2014 premiership win, the Ranfurly Shield, and the Americarna parades were all great.’’