Sports

Sports Talk - Pacific Games Boxers: Baby, Duken, Lolo & Roman representing their heritage

The 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands are currently in full swing with 24 Pacific Island & Oceania nations competing.

For many of the athletes, the Pacific Games gives them not only valuable experience and competition but a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.

We talk to four boxers based in New Zealand who are in the Solomon Islands to represent their heritage and home islands of Niue, Samoa and Tonga.  They share with us the preparation and training that has gone into qualifying for the games, why it's special for them to be able to represent their island nations, what they've done to prepare for the Solomon Islands heat and more.…more


Sports

Pacific Games Athlete to be Reunited with Father

New Zealand athlete Jordan Evans-Tobata is set for an emotional reunion with her father when she competes for her country at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

The Dunedin-based athlete has a busy schedule of four events on her schedule – 400m, 800m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay – during the five-day track programme which runs from 27 November- 1 December in Honiara.

Besides the pride the 19-year-old University of Otago student will feel when making her international debut, Jordan will also have the joy of seeing her Solomon Islands based father, Walebarasialia (Wale), for the first time in nine years.

“As soon as I found out the event was in the Solomon Islands I expressed an interest in competing and I was delighted when I was selected,’ said Jordan.…more


Sports

Toa Samoa at Eden Park: Post game reaction with fans

Toa Samoa played the NZ Kiwis for the first time at Eden Park in the inaugural Pacific Championships competition on Saturday the 21st October 2023.

You'd be forgiven for thinking it was a Samoan home game with the number of Samoan supporters who showed up and out for Toa Samoa ... atmosphere was off the chain.

Despite the score, the crowd stayed hyped to the very end with the stadium breaking out into a rousing rendition of the classic Tiama'a hit 'Taute' as the game finished. 

The boys showed their appreciation staying for well over an hour taking photos and signing autographs for fans.

We caught up with a couple of the boys including Toa Samoa captain Junior Paulo & former Toa Samoa captain Nigel Vagana.

Check out the emotional anthems and siva tau/haka in the video below - 

 

Shot and edited by Penina Momoiseā

Additional clips of the Samoan national anthem by Samuel Tanielu and Taute by Chris Sila 

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air


Sports

Sports Talk: Toa Samoa Team Tour ft Spencer Leniu, Keenan Palasia & Daejarn Asi

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

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 


Sports

Fiji Put On Flying Performance Against England, Not Enough For Final 4

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


Sports

Quarter Final Preview: Fiji vs England

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


Sports

Final Day of RWC Pool Games See Tonga Claim A Win And Fiji Through To Quarter-Finals

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


Sports

#Opinion Manu Samoa's 2023 Rugby World Cup Campaign

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


Sports

Tongan Grit Shines Despite Loss to Springboks

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.


Sports

Manu Samoa's Hopes Dashed by Strong Japanese Team in Pivotal Pool Match

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