Money still Samoa's problem

By WYNNE GRAY

Michael Jones knows the conversation pattern intimately.

It involves young Samoans questioning their rugby career path, the conflicts of test and Super 12 chances mixed in with financial security.

They come to the former All Black great, now the assistant Samoan coach, for advice about the dilemmas which have increased since rugby went professional and the International Rugby Board tightened player eligibility rules.

What should they do? Shoot for New Zealand or Samoa?

"I have had to answer that a number of times," Jones said yesterday during a break from preparing Samoa for Saturday's test against the All Blacks.

"We never stop any players chasing opportunities to get financial security within the New Zealand system. If they want to do that, it's fine. And to be honest, no one has left the pathway in New Zealand, except Leo Lafaiali'i or Ace Tiatia."

Jones said others who had dual eligibility, such as Loki Crichton and Mepi Faoagali, decided to stay with New Zealand and had the full support of Samoan rugby officials.

A solution would be for Samoa to be in the Super 12 as a new franchise or part of a combined Pacific Island side, giving them the financial clout to retain players instead of having to pick them from the club scene in Samoa or their offshore bases in New Zealand, France, Japan, Italy and Britain, as they have done on this occasion.

"Anything would be better than what we have got," Jones said. "All the flow-on effects would be great because that is realistically where we are struggling."

A combined South Pacific side would work, he said, and after all the recent talk such a team might want to involve Maori as well.

"It would be great for world rugby because teams from the islands are well-received." At the moment it was natural for young Polynesian children in New Zealand and Australia to gravitate towards the All Blacks or Wallabies.

It was a financial gateway to the future for them and their families, Jones said. But it was sad to see the waste of talent once they were unwanted for test duty.

"A great case is Andrew Blowers. He is 25 and has been discarded by New Zealand. He could play in two more World Cups, but instead is floundering with a British club."

When the Super 12 was being planned in 1995 there were strong indications Samoa or a side from the islands would be included. However, it is believed former South African rugby boss Louis Luyt reneged on the idea.

Jones accepts there could be logistical problems about including an island side, but the New Zealand Herald understands that the Sanzar consultancy looking into competitions and the season structure has not been asked about the viability of a Pacific Islands side. The chief executives from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are due to meet in Perth today to talk through progress about the 2002 seasons and beyond.

Jones said there had been whispers from Australia about expanding the Super 12, but he had heard little else. " However, it could work. When we play each other we are really ruthless, but there is a real brotherhood among us and it would bring a truely professional edge to what we are doing."

Each year was a battle to bring a side together for the PacRim tournament.

In an intensive five weeks, Samoa have played and won their opening two tests, against Tonga and Fiji, they play the All Blacks this weekend, then face up to the return games against Fiji and Tonga.

The top two qualifiers from the PacRim then travel to Japan to play off against Canada and the United States.

"We are not complaining because we do have some wonderful talent, but if the sport is going to expand it would be a gesture to the islands because they are so passionate about their rugby," Jones said.

Samoa based their play on the principles of honesty, virtue and honour, and money did not drive them.

Saturday at Albany was like little brother against big brother, a test about the self-belief in the side, which had Afato So'oalo as their only Super 12 representative.

"We are hugely aware of the David and Goliath scenario and have huge respect for the All Blacks - they are the best rugby team in the world," Jones said.

He coached the Waitemata club in Auckland, but had not thought about going higher than that in New Zealand.

"There are a lot of Polynesian kids there and that suits my style and my nature.

"A huge part of my desire is to put in place the environment to get the best out of Samoan boys and to do everything I can to allow them to fulfill their goals and dreams.

"It is both a responsibility and a privilege."