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Aussie Player Exodus

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
He's been in/around the NZ set up for some time to be fair – Chiefs 2018, Blues 2019, Mako 2017-19 and then 2021-now
I get that, but Moana is not supposed to be a New Zealand team and they ostensibly don't pick players not playing for a New Zealand super rugby team. There was a lot of talk about how it wouldn't be used as 6th All Black feeder team when it was setup and this seems to fly in the face of that. The one saving grace here is that the 'All Black XV' is not (yet) the designated 2nd cap side, so it won't preclude him from playing for Samoa/Fiji. Really not a good look though.
 

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
Yeah pretty dirty NZ have swooped in on Levi given the point of Moana Pasifika was for pacific island development. No doubt aided by the numerous NZR appointed personnel on Moanas board and key roles.
 

Derpus

Nathan Sharpe (72)
Yeah pretty dirty NZ have swooped in on Levi given the point of Moana Pasifika was for pacific island development. No doubt aided by the numerous NZR appointed personnel on Moanas board and key roles.
I'm not that fussed. The PR bullshit never overcame the obsurdity of a 'Samoan' team being Auckland based. It was always going to end up being a 6th NZ team.

This should ultimately lead to NZ talent being a little more diluted which is a positive.
 
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Tazzmania

Bob Loudon (25)
Putting the politics of the situation aside, he has been in devasting form in the Bunnings NPC this year, and one of the years stand outs.
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
Cully was pretty scathing of the decision before it was announced:
4. Surely not? The Moana Pasifika name to look for in the All Blacks XV

The whisper in New Zealand is that Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumua is going to be named in the All Blacks XV squad on Monday. Let’s give NZ Rugby the benefit of the doubt until it happens, but if it does, it will show why so many view it with such cynicism.

Aumua, who qualifies for both Fiji and Manu Samoa, has been conspicuous by his absence from any Pacific Islands Test squad this year, and if the All Blacks XV pick him, it will undercut part of Moana Pasifika’s purpose. “By Pasifika, for Pasifika” has been the mantra used repeatedly. Let’s not hope it really means “By Pasifika, for Pasifika until the All Blacks are interested”.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
You've surely got to put some of the responsibility on the player. He's presumably weighed up his options and decided that's the path he wants to take.

I assume there hadn't previously been an agreement that Moana players wouldn't be considered to be playing for a NZ Super Rugby team (the current requirement for All Blacks selection) that NZRU have now gone back on.
 

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
You've surely got to put some of the responsibility on the player. He's presumably weighed up his options and decided that's the path he wants to take.
Sure, although NZR have their own appointments on the Moana Pasifika board and executive staff, this helps when discussing with MP (Moana Pasifika) players about which test team to represent. And the carrot of greater match-day payments under the AB’s wouldn’t have been missed either.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)

Slim 293

Stirling Mortlock (74)

Question - is Aumua technically eligible for the Wallabies as an overseas selection?

Nay... o/s picks still require thirty test caps or have spent five years playing in Australia.
 

qwerty51

Stirling Mortlock (74)
Is the 5 years residency rule applicable with a 3 year stand down or is the 3 year stand down rule only for players with multiple eligibility?
 

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
It’s a seperate discussion and not necessarily aimed at Levi, but it’s stupid to place restrictions on Australian players in other non Aussie super rugby teams. Any Australian player in Super Rugby Pacific should be eligible for the Wallabies.
 

Craven Moorehead

Frank Row (1)
With the demise of 2 English clubs maybe its time for all professional outfits to have a look at where they are spending and where they are getting their revenue.

Surely with the ongoing one upmanship around the globe there has to be more outfits trading on rocky ground.
 
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