Rugby: Chasing his dream

Samoa spearhead Kahn Fotuali'i. Photo / Dean Purcell

Kahn Fotuali'i gave up on his All Black dream in 2010 when he left the Crusaders for the Ospreys club in Wales.

Then one of the best halfbacks in Super Rugby, he believed the path to a black jersey was blocked. He has since become one of the best No9s in Europe and his signing a couple of years ago for Northampton was big news. Ospreys put on a brave face but were very disappointed to lose him.

Having won an Aviva Premiership with Saints, he is ready to spearhead Manu Samoa's attack against the All Blacks at Apia Park on Wednesday and is one of the keys to their success.

At his best, the 33-year-old Fotuali'i is a potent running force. His strength and ability to get the ball away from seemingly impossible situations have made him such a threat in Europe.

And, after changing his focus from the black jersey to the blue, he is on the verge of fulfilling his other dream — to play against the All Blacks.

"It has been a goal of mine to play the All Blacks," he said. "One was to play international rugby for Samoa, and then the other was to play against the All Blacks, and to be a part of the squad here for this historical game happening in Samoa is another level in terms of emotion.

"We know we've got a tough task ahead of us but we've been enjoying the environment back here in the Islands again and enjoying the heat. It's tough training but the feeling and the excitement is right up there."

Asked about how the heat might affect the All Blacks, Fotuali'i said: "They'll be pretty fit and will have done their homework. I've heard they're coming over on Monday which is only a couple of days before the game. Personally, I know it's tough to play in the heat after playing in the UK where it's a little bit cooler — a lot cooler actually.

"For us, the key will be our discipline on defence. The natural talent of Samoa rugby is we like to play with flair. It's making the right decisions and I guess you have to have that with your No9s and No10s. Obviously our forwards have to do their part and front up, but a key thing for us is our defence and how we react to turnover ball."

Fotuali'i put his success after moving to the UK down to his ability to play different styles of the game, as well as the form of the teams he has played with.

"They've played some good rugby and I've just enjoyed my rugby. I've adapted to the styles they've wanted to play. I've enjoyed the challenges and everything that's come with it.

"It was definitely a learning curve going over to Europe to play."

Fotuali'i is happy living in Northampton with his partner and their two boys Dharnel, aged 7, and Kayden, only six weeks old. He has one more year on his contract but hopes to get an extension.

As Fotuali'i and his team-mates bask in the support from a nation which hasn't been seen since they left for the 2011 World Cup — when the 45-minute trip from Apia to the airport took two hours such was the reception from villages along the way — Fotuali'i can't help but chuckle at his likely opponent in the No9 jersey, one Andy Ellis, his former Crusaders team-mate and rival.

"It's a funny story, really, to be playing with Andy at the Crusaders and to go up against him in an international match.

"It will be pretty cool. He's still playing well. I've seen a few games of the Crusaders this season.

"Whoever plays halfback, it will be a tough task but I'm definitely looking forward to it."