Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 4

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

The Manu Samoa went up against Argentina's Los Pumas in their second pool game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Samoa, however, unfortunately fell short against the Argentine side.

Samoa fell short due to an early yellow card, errors in the first half, and missed penalties, which proved costly in the end. Argentina managed to secure a hard-earned win by capitalizing on key opportunities and executing their game plan effectively.

Nonetheless, Samoa remains steadfast, ready to take on Japan in their next pool game on Friday 29 September, 8am NZDT.

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Cover Image from World Rugby via Getty Images

By Loveni Enari

The Manu Samoa rugby team might be playing on the fields of southern France but they are receiving specialised, scientific Samoan expertise all the way from Atlanta, Georgia in the US.

In a CoconetTV exclusive we can reveal that Manumalo Muasau, Mental Performance Coach to the NFL team, the Tennessee Titans, is working closely with top players in Manu Samoa to provide that extra edge, in the all important top two inches.

Manu Samoa's coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua and Muasau had followed each other on social media for quite a while and finally connected after the coach reached out a few weeks ago for assistance to our boys in royal-blue at the Rugby World Cup.

‘Coach Mapusua is a former elite athlete but as a coach he’s someone who’s brilliant in understanding wellbeing and performance holistically, not just physically but mentally as well,’ says Manumalo, which means ‘victory’ in English.…more

There’s a late player and captain for the Manu Samoa rugby team who died in 2005 but whose name is still mentioned with a wistful, 100 yard stare and a ‘Kalofa e’ - Samoan for ‘poor thing’ or ‘how sad’.

His name was Faitala Talapusi, Skipper as he was known in his playing days, and Rev in his latter years. He hailed from the village of Vaiala and grew up directly opposite the main entrance back then, to Apia Park. 

‘Kalofa e,’ because Faitala was only 55 when cancer took him in the prime of his intellectual career as a lecturer, reverend and theologian, his playing days long in the rear vision mirror by then.

He had been the captain of the Manu Samoa rugby team in the late 1970s and CEO in 1995/6, but apart from his much admired, on-field talent, he was also a hugely intelligent, likeable character off the field, unique in his generation for his ability to lead, unite and inspire.…more

There are few rugby wins that resonate beyond the final whistle, leaving an indelible mark on both fans and the sporting world, but the 2023 Rugby World Cup bore witness to one such historic moment - a triumph decades in the making.

In an amazing display of skill and determination, Fiji scripted a tale of resounding victory, defeating Australia in their second World Cup pool game, their first win over the Aussie side in an astonishing 69 years.

The energy was high even before kick off, with the Flying Fijians sending the crowd into a roar with their pre-match Cibi

In what was a high-octane match from start to finish, the Flying Fijians managed to hold off a strong Wallabies side, ending the game 22-15 and placing them second in the Pool C standings, behind Wales.

Fiji's win over Australia will remain vivid in the hearts of the players and fans of the team for a long time to come. Their next pool game will be against Georgia on Sunday, 1st October at 4:45am NZDT.

One week into the Rugby World Cup, Loveni Enari runs the rule over the good, the bad and the rugby.

Best teams: Ireland. France. Numbers one and two. The speed and dynamic variety of Ireland's attack allowed them to put 59 points on a very well prepared Tongan team. You had to feel for the Pacific brothers, outplayed by the form team in world rugby.

France is playing calm, within themselves, no over exertion. The business end is still a month away, why fuss now?

Pasifika support: heart warming to see photos and videos of loved ones, family and friends supporting our three island nations in the French stadiums. We can hear the chahooing, now let's get that dancing going brothers and sisters! Shake your money makers!

Pasifika teams:

Poor Tonga in the pool of death. They acquitted themselves proudly yet still shipped a bundle of points. Play the same again versus Scotland and they could win.  The talent of Salesi Piutau, Ben Tameifuna and Pita Ahkhi surely deserve it.…more

We're Keepin It Fresh in the Kingdom 🇹🇴 as we go on the field the training fields and into the grand stands as the Tongan National Rugby Team, Ikale Tahi take on Australia A in the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup 🏆

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

Segment Credits:
Directed and filmed by Tutu On The Beach
Edited by Laura McBeath

In a stunning upset at UFC 293, Sean Strickland emerged victorious against Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship.

But what many may not know is that Strickland's journey to his career-defining win over the NZ-Nigerian champ was marked by a deep appreciation for the contributions of a Pacific Island mentor who played a major role in his training.

In the lead up to UFC 293, Strickland and his coach, Eric Nicksick, appeared on the Submission Radio podcast and opened up about the role played by Samoan Muay Thai champion 'Sugar' Ray Sefo in his training.

"Ray Sefo's not my coach, he's never held pads for me, but I think every day he gives me advice. Every day Ray will watch me spar, 'Hey Sean, let me pull you aside,' and help me out.'"

Nicksick echoed this sentiment, revealing a lineage that ties both Strickland and Adesanya's coaching teams back to legendary Tongan fight coach Lolo Heimuli, who has produced some of the greatest fighters in New Zealand history at Balmoral Lee Gar Gym.…more

By James Nokise

No image, no video, no audio can do justice to what it was like to be in State de Bordeaux on Sunday night when Fiji took on Wales.. 

In a word, it was loud - electrically so. Imagine a packed to the rim, full blast, drums and all, Warriors game at Mt Smart stadium. Then double the noise because Mt Smart takes 25,000, and State de Bourdeaux had over 42,000 people cheering, singing, and flat out screaming all the way from 9pm for close to two hours. 

There were many Fijian supporters, mostly French, but very few Fijians. Meanwhile an ocean of Welsh fans, with red tops, and slightly sunburnt red faces filled the majority of the stadium. The red dragon was everywhere, with just the occasional section of white tops and blue flags. 

Those French Fiji fans weren’t just there to be nice though. Their appreciation for the France based Fijian players like captain Waisea Nayacalevu and superstar Semi Radradra  was adamant from the roar that went up as they were introduced.…more

In a move that's set Pacific rugby buzzing, former All Black Julian Savea is making a return from injury. The iconic winger, often referred to as 'The Bus,' is all set to light up the Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2024, this time donning the vibrant Moana Pasifika jersey.

Savea, renowned for his powerhouse finishing skills and ability to light up the scoreboard, recently bid a heartfelt farewell to the Hurricanes. He had been an indomitable force at the franchise for a remarkable 11 seasons, spread across two distinct periods. However, the announcement of his departure opened the door to a new chapter in his illustrious career.

The decision to join Moana Pasifika, led by ex-All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, has sent shockwaves through the rugby community. It marks a fresh start for the Kiwi legend under the guidance of one of New Zealand rugby's most iconic figures.

Julian Savea's journey in professional rugby has been nothing short of spectacular.…more