‘It’s extra motivation for our boys’: Kefu speaks out after Lions block Wallaby from playing
By Jonathan Drennan
First Nations and Pasifika XV coach and Wallabies great Toutai Kefu has spoken of his disappointment after the British and Irish Lions refused to allow Waratahs and Wallabies backrower Pete Samu to represent the First Nations and Pasifika XV next Tuesday in Melbourne because he did not play Super Rugby this season.
Kefu described his player as “devastated” and is still struggling to understand why the touring side has blocked Samu from playing in Melbourne after he was named in the squad to face the Lions.
“I’m absolutely gutted, I still can’t believe that they would do it, complain about it, I suppose it is what it is, but it’s extra motivation for our boys,” Kefu said.
“We’re a team that’s just been put together, we’re facing a massive challenge as it is, so he (Samu) would have definitely strengthened us, there’s no doubt about that.
“They must have been worried we were going to win. I don’t know why they would do it.”
Lions assistant coach Jonny Sexton stated that he didn’t think it was a case of the Lions blocking Samu, as much as the pre-tour agreements being followed.
“The Lions have blocked him (Samu)? I don’t know if the Lions have blocked him, I think it’s more the rules and regulations of what was agreed before the tour,” Sexton said.
Asked if he would have an issue with Samu taking to the field on Tuesday, Sexton said that the playing and coaching group would be fine with whatever outcome is agreed.
“The players have played against Pete already on this tour, but it’s not for me to talk about really.
“I’m here to talk about the game tomorrow and as a playing group, as a coaching group, I don’t think we’re that fussed either way to be honest.”
Sources with knowledge of the Lions’ demand but not authorised to speak publicly said that Samu was told the news yesterday in Melbourne and was offered the opportunity to leave the First Nations and Pasifika XV, but requested to stay with the squad where he is helping at training. Samu’s teammates were told on Friday morning at training.
The First Nations & Pasifika XV fixture in Melbourne was created after the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels last May and will be the first time a team of this nature has played the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
Because the original tour agreement signed between Rugby Australia and the Lions organisation initially had the Rebels fixture in it, the need to change to an alternative team after the Rebels’ demise last year also meant the contract had to be amended. The Lions agreed, but insisted on a sign-off of the squad that would be put together.
Pete Samu wearing the First Nations & Pasifika team kit.Credit: Getty Images for Rugby Australia
The Lions have drafted in three Scotland players Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland and Darcy Graham, specifically for Tuesday’s game at Docklands Stadium, to provide cover for the Test squad.
Samu is of Samoan heritage and played for the AUNZ XV that were defeated last Saturday by the Lions in Adelaide Oval.
Kefu named a squad including Kurtley Beale, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Andy Muirhead to take on the Lions but it is arguably not as strong as the AUNZ Invitational XV, who were thumped by the Lions 48-0 in Adelaide.
Fijian Drua duo Mesake Doge and Mesake Vocevoce were also called into the squad, becoming the first Fijian internationals to face the Lions since the country’s 1977 victory.
The First Nations Pasifika squad has also been bolstered by Thursday’s news that Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu will play in the fixture. Fijian Test winger Ponipate Loganimasi has also been added to the squad.
A Rugby Australia spokesperson said that they were keen for Samu to represent the First Nations and Pasifika team, who will take on the Lions is in his hometown.
“We are pleased with the First Nations & Pasifika XV’s preparation for their inaugural match against the Lions at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday,” Rugby Australia said.
“Pete Samu is a valued member of the Waratahs and has added greatly to the First Nations & Pasifika squad since entering camp. We had naturally hoped he would be playing in this fixture.”