Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagor
So it's not strictly speaking then, an international competition?
So who are the losers here? The Samoans? Fijians? Where's the national pride?
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It isn't as easy as saying winners and losers.
This has been an ongoing problem for years and years.
Google Frank Bunce. He was born in NZ, played for Manu Samoa then for the AB's.
Mike Catt is another good example.
Rugby has long been a sport that encouraged travel & touring. It is very common for players to travel and play seasons "abroad" for other clubs.
This player movement in my mind is a result of that culture.
If we look at Henry Speight, there is every chance he could have been in Black instead of Gold. He was signed by the Brumbies after playing ITM/Waikato 4 seasons, and he went to high school in NZ.
The relationship between the PI and Aus/NZ is odd. Many families move back and forth between the Tonga/Fiji/Manu Samoa. It is seen as natural.
What bothers me more are players that have no relationship with a country like Anscombe or Maitland. They moved/were drawn to Wales/Scotland because they were eligible via parents.
In my mind, players like Speight choice Aussie, while players like Maitland/Anscombe were chosen by the nations to play. It may seem pedantic and an splitting of hairs, but to me there is a difference.
I am haven't purchased this movie yet bet think that I will, or at least rent it:
I will say that I love love the way the PI play the game. One of my favourite teams is Manu Samoa. The speed and power is wonderful. I have player with and against many islanders. I loved it. There are uncompromising in their physicality. You can smash them as hard as you want, no complaints.