Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 3

The Coconet TV's Destiny Momoiseā takes a tour around the Toa Samoa team camp ahead of their Pacific Championship game against the Kiwis at Eden Park 🏉

The boys talk about the love they've received from fans, game day preparation, pre-game playlists and who got jokes 😂

Featuring Spencer Leniu, Keenan Palasia, Daejarn Asi & Toa Samoa Head Coach Ben Gardiner.

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Credits:

Camera - Penina Momoiseā 
Presenter - Destiny Momoiseā
Editor - Sefa Taouma

Additional Photography - Geoffery Mata'utia

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

By James Nokise

“I think it will be a very good game because both teams, they know, if something happens today then you’re going home tomorrow.”

These were the prophetic words of the living legend that is Waisale Serevi, on the streets of Marseilles before the epic quarterfinal between Fiji and England. Because of his status within the Fijian and wider Pacific community, it can be easy to forget how popular he is in the Northern hemisphere.

The man known as “The Wizard”, though, is busy before the match outside the stadium taking constant photo’s with European fans.

“I believe the boys are ready. They didn’t play well the last two games. It’s over, they’ve learned from that.”

In some ways he was right. Fiji fell behind in the first half with some sloppy play, and went to the break trailing 21-10.

However, they fought back hard to have things tied at 24-24 with 10mins left in the match.…more

By Loveni Enari 

The Flying Fijians have been rocked by familial tragedies during the Rugby World Cup but feel the sadness has brought them closer together and will give them ammunition to beat England in their quarter final match at 4am Monday morning (16th October 23) 

The first of the tragedies came when Josua Tuisova missed the funeral of his seven year old son after a long battle with illness. Just days before their rendezvous at Marseille with les Ros Bifs, hooker Sam Matavesi has returned to England after the death of his father.

Matavesi’s father Sireli Matavesi was a former test player and had been wheelchair-bound after surgery some years ago. His son has been enjoying a rich vein of form and after he returned to Fiji for a brief visit home for the funeral, he returned to Marseille on Friday.…more

Tonga's Ikale Tahi and The Flying Fijians played the final two matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool Games, with favourable results for both teams.

Tonga finished their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign on a high with an entertaining 45-24 Pool B victory over Romania in front of 45,000 fans at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

The Ikale Tahi swept into a 21-3 lead after winger Solomone Kata collected an offload from Salesi Piutau for the opening try, ex-All Blacks centre George Moala went over and winger Afusipa Taumoepeau added a third after Alin Conache’s penalty for Romania.

Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua admitted the players wanted to get the win for their head coach Toutai Kefu, who is leaving the role.…more

By Loveni Enari 

It was only pride they were playing for, the points that mattered for Manu Samoa disappeared last week versus Japan, but fans at least saw a valiant performance in the narrow loss to England, as once again the team failed to qualify for the quarter finals.

It's the seemingly inevitable sadness we've been suffering for over 20 years since those pioneering Manu Samoa teams of the 1990s so successfully brought our nation to the top table.

We all know it's only regular games against Tier 1 nations that will allow us to truly compete but 'world' Rugby didn't invite us to the first World Cup and have not changed their attitude in the meantime no matter how many more brave, entertaining losses and circle prayer sessions with Tier 1 players we are involved in.

Despite this there was some real good to come of the campaign. 

Fritz Lee was our player of the tournament, magnificent play, great leadership.…more

Tonga faced off against defending world champions, the Springboks, and played out an entertaining ten-try thriller during their Pool B encounter.

The Springboks proved their mettle, ultimately emerging victorious with a scoreline of 49-18.

Looking ahead, Tonga remains undeterred, focusing on concluding their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Their sights are set on the upcoming encounter against Romania scheduled for Monday, 9th October at 4:45 AM NZDT. Tonga's team is primed and prepared to bring their best to the field, aiming for a resounding victory to cap off their campaign.

In a crucial face-off for both teams, the Manu Samoa clashed with Japan's Brave Blossoms in their third pool game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, desperately needing a win to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

However, they faced a formidable Japanese side that proved too strong to conquer. Catch all the highlights as Samoa took on Japan at Rugby World Cup 2023.

The game was intense from the start, with both teams showcasing their prowess on the field. The pressure was immense as Manu Samoa strived to break through Japan's defense and secure the much-needed victory. However, a series of penalties and passing mistakes proved to be their downfall.

Japan, capitalising on these errors, skillfully maneuvered their way through the game, scoring points and maintaining a dominant position. Despite a valiant effort from Manu Samoa, they were unable to bridge the gap, ultimately falling short against a resilient Japanese side.

Samoa will play their final pool game against England on Sunday, 8th Oct 2023 4:45am NZDT.

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Cover Image by World Rugby / World Rugby via Getty Images

Go behind the scenes & check out highlights from the UFC 293 Sydney fight week & fight night.

'The Crowd Goes Wild's' Tim Provise shows us around the UFC Fan Experience and then hear from our Samoan fighters on the card what it means to them to represent their heritage on this global arena.

Featuring Carlos Ulberg, Tyson Pedro, Justin Tafa, Tai Tuivasa & Israel Adesanya

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Keepin It Fresh brings you all the freshness happening in our Moana communities, from Siva Afi Festivals to Fashion Shows.

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Credits:  

Directors - Penina Momoiseā & Althea Strydom 

OPC - Junior Meredith 

Editor - Sefa Taouma, Laura McBeath

Presenter - Tim Provise 

Additional BTS Footage - Penina & Jirah Momoiseā

Additional Fight footage - UFC 

Thank you Mick Earsman and the UFC 

By James Nokise 

There was a moment right after the Scotland vs Tonga match that not many of the TV networks chose to show. 

The Ikale Tahi who, despite a close first half, were beaten by a well-rested Scottish team 45 - 17, returned to the field to thank their fans. 

Normally when a team takes a moment like this they are celebrating a victory, but Tonga’s situation did not require a lap of Stade de Nice, just a couple of quick visits to two small groups. 

Don’t be fooled by any official photos you may see that imply the crowd support was equal.…more

In a pivotal second pool game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Tonga's Ikale Tahi faced off against Scotland, seeking a victory that would keep their World Cup dreams alive. However, their efforts fell short as Scotland emerged victorious with a commanding score of 45-17.

Tonga fought valiantly against a formidable Scottish side. The Tongan team showcased moments of brilliance, gaining an early lead when Solomone Kata scored the Tonga's first try of the game after a successful penalty kick from fly-half David Havili. However, Scotland's superior performance and cohesive gameplay ultimately secured a decisive win.

This defeat marks the end of Tonga's contention in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, dimming their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.

Nevertheless, Tonga hope to go out on a high, looking for wins in the remainder of their pool games. They go up against South Africa on Monday 2, October 2023 and 8:00 NZDT.

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Cover Image from World Rugby via Getty Images