Secure your hot drinks and children this Saturday night, Tonga have promised to unleash hell on Adam Blair after he made a genuine display of reasonable disappointment.
As reported in Tuesday’s Daily Telegraph, the Mate Ma’a forwards are seething at Blair following his unruly distaste for Jason Taumololo’s decision to abandon New Zealand.
Speaking on radio prior to the World Cup, the Kiwi captain had the audacity to defend the honour of representing his nation by describing the Cowboy’s decision as “shattering”.
Even more provocatively, he then sensationally questioned Taumololo’s integrity and communication skills, simply because the second-rower deserted the team without telling anybody.
As the team that has ended up with the services of the world’s best forward, a jilted Tonga have been looking to settle the score ever since.
This is why Kristian Woolf’s men have privately agreed to a unique pact for Saturday night’s clash against the Kiwis; to unsettle an opponent in a footy match with physical aggression, which this tournament historically indicates should include biting.
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Tonga are determined to voice their disgust at Blair for being disappointed that the irreplaceable Taumololo abandoned his team unannounced on the eve of the tournament.
And rightly so.
It is one thing for Blair to repeatedly employ late shots and filth in the ruck, but we must draw the line when he emotionally defends both his homeland and good manners.
Sure, footy is a passionate game with a lifeblood fuelled by the hysterical sentiments of its concussed players, but that’s hardly the point.
Not only has the Kiwi totally dismissed the financial hit taken by the $10 million man in representing Tonga, he has also heinously exhibited care for the sacred New Zealand jersey.
In a fledgling global scene, with enough dual citizens to form a majority, such national passion from Blair is the last thing international footy needs.
He needs to lighten up and realise that players come and go from national squads so much these days, sometimes the coach doesn’t even recognise them when they are sitting on the bench.
Tui
Guest
Lol! Some people just don't understand!??? pride is not about what country you were born in just because he was born in NZ doesn't mean his obligations are to NZ! It's what ever he feels comfortable in his heart if he feels he is a Tongan well then who the French are we to say Otherwise I'm NZ born and I respect NZ but in my heart I am a TONGAN!!!
Blagblah
Guest
STFU
Basil
Guest
the well over the top reaction and name calling by kiwis and their media is a reflection of NZ insecurity and inferiority complex, fafita actually was worse since he defected after the team was announced but Oz reaction a lot more restrained.
Oto shark
Guest
True he is young ,and they'd be silly to go after one man and leave holes.
Cedric
Guest
yep would have been good if he had called the coach and done it a lot sooner. Then everyone would have nothing to say. But to leave when he did and no phone call is a bit off, but he's young, made a mistake and I'm hoping he has learned from that. Can't see the Tongans targeting anyone in particular, that would be dumb and leave holes for the Kiwis.
Jacko
Guest
He IS a NZ Citizen. Born there and raised there.
stainlesssteve
Guest
there's biff in this satire, but not a lot of bite
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Not to mention there is probably a Tongan bloke (or 2 with Fafita), sitting at home watching the games on TV instead of in the squad thanks to his spot being taken at the last minute.
Davico's filthy conscience
Guest
Taumololo is a NZ citizen. He was raised in NZ, idolized Kiwi league players like WIki, was learned the game and came up through NZ rugby league including representing the junior kiwis. He was educated in NZ, in the NZ system at the NZ tax payer's expense, covered by the NZ health system paid for by the NZ taxpayer. Lived, played and grew up in NZ. Many in the Tongan team had never even been to Tonga before. It would like calling Richie McCaw Scottish or Brad Fittler German.
Davico's filthy conscience
Guest
He was born in Auckland. That makes his country of birth New Zealand. That makes him a NewZealander. I can only imagine that you'd make that comment because you think Pacific Islanders and other folk of a particular hue aren't 'real' NZders. I guess that makes you well... ya'know.
Blagblah
Guest
The sipi is just an imitation of a haka and a poor one at that. lol.
Duncan Smith
Guest
There's truth in satire.
melsii
Guest
He is Tongan! Some Tongans were born here but are not NZ citizens... so it doesnt matter where you born its WHO you're that matters!
melsii
Guest
Grow up and get over it already lol.... Jason is playing for Tonga fullstop! stop with your whinning and cry babies. Talking too much "man up" like you know it yourself how to "man up" and shut up! Leave Jason and Blair to play their game. If youre supporting cry baby Blair then youre all the same! Of course the Tonga sipi tau is better than the Haka! obviously....
Jacko
Guest
Tonga...I dont care who he plays for and I have no problem with him playing for Tonga...It is also good for tonga to have him and Fifita in their team,,,,He just went about it all wrong and let a lot of people down....He declared for NZ then CHANGED his mind and NZ had to name a player they had already told wasnt needed
Jacko
Guest
Davico thats funny...You tell me to use capitals to start a sentence yet you fail to understand what "should" and "if" mean....As in...SHOUD they do what they say and use cheap shots and foul play....and...IF they use foul play it is premeditated and SHOULD be treated accordingly.....Also.....if I am bagging a bloke it would be...You're not your.... If its a brutal game thats great...providing its done legally
Justin Kearney
Guest
Scary isnt it? Some people just dont get satire.
Blagblah
Guest
The humor of this article seems 2 b lost on many
Blagblah
Guest
Lol. Atleast the islanders that play for NZ r born here not like the south pacific wallabies
Blagblah
Guest
Comments like what? The author only quoted one word in his article. Your assumptions r clearly based on your own bias