Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 6

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 🏆

-
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

In what was supposed to be an electrifying start to their respective Rugby World Cup campaigns, Fiji found themselves at the center of controversy as they suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Wales.

The match saw a comeback try slip from Fiji in the final minute of the game, but fans and pundits alike have been left questioning the fairness of the game, due to contentious refereeing decisions that many say seem to have favoured the Welsh side

Fiji will be looking to bounce back from their loss when they play against Australia on Monday 18, September 3:45amNZST

-
Other Pacific Games:

New Zealand v Namibia - Saturday 16 September, 7amNZST
Samoa v Chile - Sunday 17 September, 1amNZST
Tonga v Ireland - Sunday 17 September, 7amNZST

As the City Kickboxing boys get ready to take to the Octagon for UFC 293, we take you behind the scenes of UFC 293 Fight Week! 🎥

We go backstage so you get a front-row seat to the action, both on stage and behind the camera 👊🏽

- 

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

- 

Credits:  

Shot by Penina Momoisea

Edited by Sefa Taouma 

Alongside the rise of Auckland’s City Kickboxing Gym, Tongan striking coach Tristam Apikotoa aka Twister or Twist, has often been credited by some of the gym’s biggest stars for the role he plays in their success.

Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker calls Twist his ‘secret weapon’ and Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya has described him as being 'knowledgable in the game, under-rated and a dark horse'.

We first met Twist in the buildup to UFC271 where he was often seen quietly observing the boys training sessions and Spyda drills.

With City Kickboxing Gym making history at UFC 293 having the most fighters from one gym on a card, Twist allowed us a rare interview.

Get to know the man, the myth and the legend in his own words below - 

-

My Mum is Alisi Peau Ave-ika-Ki-Moana Wolfgramm from Neiafu, Vava'u and my father is Sosefo Losino Apikotoa Sapa'ata from Niua Fo'ou. Hihifo, NiuaToputapu.  Both families migrated and settled on the mainland in the village of Fasi-Moe-Afi A Tungi, Tongatapu.…more

by Thomas Law

In little over five weeks’ time, the Pacific Rugby League Championships will kick off, a concept tried in the past but not with this level of backing and interest from so many parties. Over four rounds in October and November, this will be the first major taste of international rugby league in the Southern Hemisphere since the 2019 Oceania Cup, with more teams involved than ever before, plans for future editions in years and financial commitments to equality across nations and gender.

In addition to Tonga’s pre-scheduled tour of England, Aotearoa New Zealand and last year’s World Cup finalists, Australia and Samoa, will compete in a round-robin, top-tier Pacific Championships, whilst Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands and Fiji compete in a bowl hosted in Port Moresby. Concurrently there will also be a series of women’s games featuring all seven nations.…more

By Loveni Enari

Is it time to start dreaming once more?

Just like in 1991, 1995 and 1999, those being the last golden years of Manu Samoa rugby when they successfully navigated the pool stages and made the quarter finals of a World Cup.

The boys in royal blue were millimetres away from beating Ireland, the world number one last Saturday and, according to team manager Faautu Talapusi, it may be a sign of better things to come.

'The team was absolutely heartbroken and you could see they absolutely believed they could beat Ireland but they fell short,' said Talapusi from their current base in Perpignan.

'The win was there for the taking.' 

So near, yet so far ... just what the doctor ordered ... just not good enough ... an inch is as good as a mile ... plenty to be pleased about ... stands us in good stead for the tournament ...…more