Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua has taken aim at New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for their selection of centre Levi Aumua in the All Blacks XV, claiming the decision has undermined the purpose of Super Rugby Pacific team Moana Pasifika.
Aumua caught the eye earlier this year in Moana Pasifika’s maiden campaign and subsequently earned selection for the second-string All Blacks side that will face Ireland ‘A’ and the Barbarians in November.
Frustration
The centre, eligible for Samoa and Fiji, looked set to break through into Mapusua’s side after using the platform of Super Rugby Pacific to showcase his talents and grow against quality opposition.
Mapusua admitted it was very frustrating to see a huge prospect for Samoa being snapped up by NZR.
“Absolutely it’s frustrating,” Mapusua told Stuff on Friday.
“Especially as he was selected and played for Moana Pasifika. The establishment of this team was to benefit Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
“We looked at Moana Pasifika as our team. It is frustrating seeing guys like Levi being picked up by the All Blacks. Obviously it sends a message to all the other midfielders in the five [New Zealand] franchises. Frustrating is a nice way to put it.”
Defeats the purpose
The coach criticised NZR for essentially undermining the purpose of the Moana Pasifika side when asked about the topic.
“Personally, I think so,” added Mapusua.
“We waited a long time for a team like Moana Pasifika to established. I’d like to think it’s our team but this is a not so gentle reminder that yes we can have our team but the best players will still get picked up by, in this case, New Zealand.
“What Moana Pasifika are saying is not untrue but at the same time all it takes is one. If we are looking at things in principle, it should be 100% [eligibility for the Pacific Islands teams].”
Playing for the All Blacks XV technically still allows Aumua to remain eligible for Samoa, but that could fall away if he is given minutes with the first-string side locking up the centre for the 2023 Rugby World Cup even if the 28-year-old falls out of favour after a handful of caps.
“100 per cent,” Mapusua said. “While everyone is saying it’s not a capped team it clearly shows where the intention is and where players are being viewed.
“There’s a chance that could go on and be a key player for the All Blacks and go to the World Cup. There’s also a very real chance that he might not.”
Players’ choice
All Blacks Julian Savea and Josh Ioane are both eligible for Samoa. Still, Mapusua says it is up to the players to make themselves available as he prepares for the showpiece tournament in France next year.
“If they are available to play for Samoa, then they’re definitely in consideration,” he said.
“But I’m trying to go to a World Cup. We don’t have the time with all the games to try out different combinations. We’re just trying to get to the same starting line as a Tier 1 team, for lack of a better word.
“We need to be building now. It comes back to the player. If you want to be available for selection, then we’ll go from there. But whilst you’re unavailable, then my focus goes elsewhere.”
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