Tattoos hit with fans
Samoa super fans are queueing up to get 685 tattoos ahead of Toa Samoa’s historic Rugby League World Cup final showdown against Australia tomorrow.
Toa Samoa made history when they claimed a 27-26 victory over hosts England in the semifinal, to become the first Pacific and the first second tier team to reach the final.
Samoa’s cup campaign has sent Samoans in New Zealand into raptures, with flags displayed proudly on cars, fireworks, parades and a fan zone in Cannons Creek in Porirua this weekend.
The Samoa Government is also considering a public holiday, regardless of the final outcome.
In Auckland, Samoa flags have all sold out. Samoa’s dialling code, 685, has been a popular request at Polynesian tattoo workshops, with some artists offering special deals.
South Auckland-based Spyce Ink is offering 685 tattoos for $50 on Friday and Saturday.
Tattoo artist Losalio said she was fully booked out for the next two days. ‘‘It has been hectic but also amazing and warming to see everyone coming through so proud of their home country,’’ she said.
‘‘Everyone has been pulling up in their cars with flags, it is hilarious. It is just the vibe at the moment.’’
Some people coming to get 685 tattoos had never supported Toa Samoa before, she said. ‘‘That is just the impact of what the team has done, everyone is just so proud.’’