Roar Rookie
Joined October 2013
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It is difficult to even write this article without being overwhelmed by the emotion that Pacific Island rugby supporters are feeling at the moment.…
The Pacific culture places great emphasis on hospitality, especially to guests from outside. This same respect is still paid today in many Pacific countries.…
There is no doubt whatsoever that Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has a huge dilemma in trying to sort out the Wallabies' scrum woes. The…
The last few Tests played by the Wallabies have resulted in close encounters, with the Wallabies either falling short, or just scraping home. It…
Kevin, why don’t you come to my house some day? I can serve you a delicious range of Samoan food. Unless you want me to cook manoosh and samosas? Only problem is I can’t cook those things because I’m not Lebanese nor Indian.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Thanks for the comment Ralph. I am writing from a vantage point that many are not aware of, especially non-PI’s. This article was not written to attract your sympathy, but to offer you the World Rugby from our perspective. In a media world dominated by European and Western writers, I am merely the Pacific Islander kid who has no lunch, raising his hand at the back of the classroom. If I get noticed, then that in itself is a victory. If i can generate some sense of talanoa (dialogue), which seems to be apparent here, then that is all this kid can ever hope for.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Think of the players that people would pay to watch, and you would say a big portion are Pacific Islander players. People flock to watch the likes of SBW, Maa Nonu, Israel Folau, Manu Tuilagi, Jerome Kaino just to name a few. Before, it was the likes of Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Michael Jones and Rupeni Caucaunibuca. The PI’s no doubt play an exciting brand of rugby.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Thanks Matthew, there’s nothing more frustrating than being censored for speaking up. That is the essence of colonialism isn’t it? lol
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
That’s just part of the frustration isn’t it sheek? Thanks for sharing!
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
I’ll take you up on that offer … when your numbers fall in place! lol
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Kevin, we in Samoa have a concept known as ‘maota tau ave’ (the house that is carried). We carry Samoa with us, our culture, our language, and our heritage. It will always be a part of us wherever we migrate to, because that is the essence of being Samoan. Non-Samoans like yourself may struggle to comprehend this, but this is the impetus of our existence.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
You’re isolating one of the many features I was bringing up. Like I said, the PI’s have this as well as many other difficulties to deal with, all at once!
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
We just don’t have the money and opportunities to do this. Our people moved to NZ/Aus/USA for better economic and employment as well as education opportunities. This is the draw of migration. As a result, the children of migrants grow up in such countries and will aspire to represent them. So what you’re talking about is the fruits of migration. In saying that, while the likes of Tim Nanai Williams may have not been to Samoa prior to the Apia test, the people of Samoa will always “carry” Samoa with them. Such a notion lies in the Samoan concept of ‘maota tau ave’ (the house that is carried) which non-Samoans are not familiar with but is instilled in us from an early age, and permeates through to later generations. Wherever we go, we know who we are, whether our children wear the blue of Samoa, or the Black of NZ or Gold of Australia, or white of England. That is why you will see the likes of TNW representing Samoa, or SBW, Maa Nonu, Jerome Kaino sporting Samoan tattoos (and not Maori tattoos), because they know who they are. As Maoris are tangata whenua, Samoans in the diaspora know that they are tagata o le fanua.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Faafetai moaman, thanks for that. I just wonder if the PI nations are in a position to negotiate … money equals power, and with this formula, PI’s may not be in a position to negotiate. The saga continues …
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Is it that simple? Just get over it? Easy for you to say!
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Yes and no. Some nations are only Tier 2 due to playing ability. Japan will soon become tier 1 because they have the money to do so. USA is a sleeping giant that is slowly awaking. Rugby in the Pacific Islands, and perhaps Namibia and Georgia, will always be an amateur sport.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
That’s certainly one way we can look at it Harry. I am merely offering the ‘other’ way.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Thanks Jono, appreciate the comment. Sadly, the PI’s just don’t have the money. They’re still very much ‘third world’ in terms of economy and development. Countries like Japan, USA and Canada are only minnows in terms of ranking, but at least they have the economy and infrastructure to support growth in the game, hence the rise of the likes of Argentina and Italy. Japan will soon rise into the tier 1, especially now that they have a Super Rugby team. Rugby in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa can never truly be a professional sport.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Don’t you think that it’s funny that some of these nations are also running World Rugby? They bring their colonial attitudes with them.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
True, but not all Tier 2 nations suffer the same problems across the board as the PI’s. For example, Japan!
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Appreciate your opinion Joey, firstly, we can still represent our countries in the NRL and NFL in spite of the lack of such “mechanisms.” Much like Jarryd Hayne represents Australia (and Fiji) each time he puts on that jersey 38 of the 49ers, so to do other Polynesian players in the NFL. Perhaps boycotting sounds a little less absurd than you may think! Besides, if boycotting were an option, I refer to boycotting the World Cup, the minnow nations don’t earn any money from it anyway.
As for refereeing blunders, I am stating these things in context, all things are stacked up against the minnows. Most Tier 1 nations don’t really experience all these things at once (poor scheduling, lack of revenue from games, harsh judicial rulings, overzealous refeering scrutiny etc.)
Lastly, it would be nice if there were something less cynical involved in scheduling. These so-called bottom ranked nations will always be bottom-ranked (England on the other hand will experience this for the first time). But how about allowing the tier 1 nations to play the 3 tests in 13 days as they have the depth. I truly believe that had Japan received such scheduling they would have made it to the quarter finals.
Colonialism revisited at the Rugby World Cup
Great idea BB, thanks for your insight. Sadly, with many rule changes, the physicality is taking a backseat as physical teams such as South Africa (eg. tackle by Bismark tackle on Carter), Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Argentina are being penalised for legitimate tackles. But yes, wouldn’t it be a spectacle to see the Pacific Islands and SA bash each other! (Imagine a game without backs!! haha)
Tier 1 nations continue their Pacific neglect
Hey Rob C yes I did, and I think it’s fantastic. But the powers that be (SANZAR) have already chosen Japan haven’t they?
Tier 1 nations continue their Pacific neglect
With what money Richard? Please don’t turn this into a Pacific History lesson, because if you want to go there, you may want to start reading a host of theses written on this topic. The message is simple, if the World Rugby is serious about being global, it should make a commitment to helping the little brothers out by ensuring they are hosted well when they travel to Tier 1 nations and that they are given a fair slice of the pie.
Tier 1 nations continue their Pacific neglect
You see, by calling our very real friend imaginary is subscribing to bigotry, as that is exactly what bigotry is: the belittling of another person’s beliefs and values.
Besides Tom, the white man has long been the coloniser of the Pacific, so it’s ironic of you to point out manipulation by our Islander brothers. Like what our “imaginary” friend said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?”
Israel Folau saga erupts again as Taniela Tupou weighs in