The Rise of the Samoan rugby

Dear Editor,

Another weekend of non-stop rugby action, another weekend of electrifying rugby treat for all rugby fans but us, the Samoan rugby fans.

A little consolation is when the Toa Samoa fought back against the Scotland to settle for a draw, which means they will make it to Rugby League World Cup Quarterfinal by default. If you see this as a win so be it, as for me, I keep it real—the 13s boys did not play to their potentials.

Negativity aside, all the boys in Blue; the 7s, the 15s, and the 13s did not stay down when they are down in points, rather they fought to the very end.

If I were to grade the boys’ performance, I give the 7s and 15s a C+ because they performed relatively better than they did a few months ago. 

Even though the boys lost the game, there is no way I’ll give them an F grade when I see the warriors’ heart of the boys even in losing efforts.

While the 13s receive a D for performing two notches lower than the last two weeks of Rugby League World Cup. This is me being real guys.

Growing up I always been taught to learn from my mistakes. While this is a healthy advice, learning from your success is a better way to move forward.

I speak of the improvements the boys have shown when their backs are against the wall. 

These are the positive takeaways; the 7s handling skills and fitness have obviously improved to another height, while the 15s side shown improvements in creativity department and pure tenacity. 

Let us not forget Tim Nanai-Williams performance at number ten, plus, the experienced and determined substitutes that made the comeback almost complete.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the boys fought back as hard as they did on Sunday morning.

Again, let us keep it real because a loss is a loss and it sucks big time but the boys can learn from the improvements they have made so far for their long-term success.

As for the negatives, the 7s need to improve creativity and mental fortitude all the way throughout the game. Whereas, the 15s need to improve fitness and match their creativity with their world-class skills. And as for the 13s, you should stop playing to get more selfies and start playing like real stars you guys are stars in your own right. 

And you know where the stars belong right—they belong up there!

Overall, we applaud the boys’ collective determination to make all of us proud given the distractions of dirty politics within our beloved sports. 

Boys in Blue, expect much from yourselves and do much for yourselves, your families and your country and remember who you are! 

‘Manu and Toa Samoa! My brothers, keeper of the horde! I would rather cheer for you than any Tier one nations combined! Let no man forget how menacing you are, you are lions! Do you know what’s waiting beyond every game? Immortality, pride, and honor! Take it! It’s yours!’ (Paraphrased from the Troy movie)

 

Ryan Christian Flor Nemes

Samoa Observer

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