By Tupuola Terry Tavita

What moves people to act the way they do?

Scenes from this morning’s Manu Samoa farewell parade warms the heart though puzzles the mind.

Toddlers still in their nappies cheering on the team, old women in wheelchairs dancing on the road side, eager high school students jumping on the Manu Samoa pickups, car bonnets just to touch their heroes and shop owners and stall owners showering the team with merchandise- no doubt the week’s profit.

Words fail such selfless acts of unashameable pride, of humanity and nationhood.

I’ve heard a lot of patriotic rubbish, but this morning, I felt what it really means to love my country.

Words lie because it’s an experience and not a feeling that can easily be retold.

On the eve of the memorable Manu Samoa win over Wales in 1991, center Frank Bunce was named ahead of Samoa’s midfield stalwart Keneti Sio, a hard and very man.

With tears beaming, Keneti looked Bunce in the eye and told him.“They think that you are a better player than me. I don’t agree with them…But if you go out there tomorrow and your heart is not full, take mine.�?

Manu Samoa will take to the field the hearts of this country’s 180,000 people and tens of thousands more overseas. Pity is the rugby man who stands against them. God speed, it will be our finest sporting hour.

Share This

About the author

1 Comment for Editorial – When Samoa came out for Manu