Tonga quick to play down spicy flavour
It’s the fiery matchup everyone has been waiting for, but Tonga don’t believe there’ll be any extra spice in the recipe, as they do battle with the Kiwis in the Rugby League World Cup this weekend.
Ever since superstar Jason Taumalolo made the shock call of defecting from New Zealand, and others in the form of Manu Ma’u, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and David Fusitu’a followed suit, the Pool B match in Hamilton on Saturday suddenly had the big circle marked around it as must-watch stuff.
In all, it’s a Tongan squad which features 10 former Kiwis. But one of those - Sam Moa - is adamant there is no extra edge for the clash, despite all that’s gone on.
‘‘I think there was a bit of tension there, you can’t lie about it, at the start,’’ he said. ‘‘But we’re well and truly past it, four or five weeks on. The boys who have defected have certainly moved past it, along with their families, and us as teammates, and I’m sure [Kiwis coach] David Kidwell and the boys in the New Zealand side, selectors and fans have also moved past it.
‘‘I’m not lying here when I say there’s been next to nothing mentioned throughout the camp. Right from the first day that we gathered together, we spoke about enjoying each other’s company, and focusing on what we’re there to do, and that’s to represent Tonga.
‘‘There’s been a lot said in the media, we did see a bit on the news and what not, but it’s been brushed over.
‘‘When the game’s being played we’re out there to give it to each other and be physical. Once the whistle’s blown, everyone shakes hands.’’
Moa - who has just come off a maiden Super League season with the Catalans Dragons - played three tests for Tonga at the 2008 World Cup, another for them in 2013, then later that year played the World Cup with New Zealand, who he represented up until last year’s mid-year test against Australia.
Not so much in the Kiwis’ sights anymore, the 31-year-old has rejoined the men in red, coming off the bench in the wins over Scotland (50-4) and Samoa (32-18), and said he couldn’t speak highly enough of the others who had come in.
‘‘They haven’t spoken badly about their teams they have left, it’s all been positive,’’ said Moa, who has labelled the Kiwis ‘‘the form side of the comp’’.
Winger Daniel Tupou, himself representing Tonga at a second World Cup either side of one test for the Kangaroos, said his side was preparing like it had the past couple of weeks, and that the vibe in camp was pretty calm.
‘‘There’ll be some bad blood on the field but then after that we’ll all celebrate together as a team, and at the end of the day football’s the winner, so it should be good.’’
There’s no doubt in the Tongans’ minds that a few of their boys will be targeted by the Kiwis, not least Taumalolo, but it’s something they don’t believe he’ll be daunted by.
‘‘I’m sure he’s got a target on his back,’’ Tupou said. ‘‘But he loves that pressure, and I’m sure he’ll come out and do well for us.’’