EDITORIAL – Manu: Out with the old, in with the new

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EDITORIAL – Manu: Out with the old, in with the new

Tags: Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, IRB, Manu Samoa, Mohonri Schwalger, Samoa Rugby Union Posted date: May 23, 2012 | No comment

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Despite what the partisan media claims, the new look Manu Samoa is a breath of fresh air.

A new coach, a new manager, a new Rugby Union boss and a new look Manu Samoa team.

With ten local players named, you will be at task to find a dissenting voice among the rugby-playing public.

In fact, much of the complaints seem to stem from New Zealand and Europe where some of the old hands from last year are suddenly finding themselves on the outer.

Tough luck.

The new look Manu Samoa – at least on paper – seems to have a good mix of seasoned campaigners and new talent ready to make their mark.

We will not defend the coach’s selection as, at the end of the day, he will have to produce the necessary results the public expect.

But do we really need tweeter-happy Eliota Sapolu in this new team? No doubt he’s a good player, but he has some bad habits that might rub off on our young talents. The team doesn’t need that.

This column reckons ex-captain Mohonri Schwalger’s damning report to the SRU chairman last year has nothing to do with his non selection. The hooking role is one position Manu Samoa is never short of. Ti’i Paulo surely will have something to say about Schwalger’s claims that he is the in-form hooker today.

Much has also been said about the form of veteran lock Joe Tekori. But standing at 6’6�?, Tekori provides the towering height the Manu Samoa pack sorely needs.

Perhaps coach Betham did not actually articulate himself probably when he said some of last year’s players were too old and thus were not selected. Perhaps what he really meant was that those players were more expendable.

And indeed they are.

People want to see new faces and new talent. Players like Vaiala flyhalf Patrick Faapale and sevens sensation Paul Perez.

Mahonri and co had their shot last year and despite their valiant efforts, came up short.

New coach Stephen Betham doesn’t owe them anything. His job is to produce a winning team.

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Adolf

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