Pacific Island players 'haunted' by perceptions

Tuilagi's five-week ban for lifting a knee in a tackle against Japan has confirmed that not a lot has changed. Photo / AP

The Alesana Tuilagi ban handed down by World Rugby has confirmed the fears of many Pacific Island players at this World Cup - they are judged by a different standard.

Tonga, whom the All Blacks played at St James' Park in Newcastle this morning, talked about trying to change perceptions heading into this tournament in England. The players were determined to be on their best behaviour on the field for two reasons - because they knew they would receive little leniency, and to leave a legacy for future Pacific Island players.

But Tuilagi's five-week ban for lifting a knee in a tackle against Japan, an incident in which no one suffered a lasting injury and which can be seen on countless fields around the world on any weekend, has confirmed that not a lot has changed.

"We've definitely spoken about it in our squad," experienced Tonga centre Siale Piutau said. "One thing we wanted to change coming into this tournament was the way that, not only World Rugby, but the world sees us - and not only us Tongans but Pacific Islanders, and I guess that's something that's always going to haunt us.

"We're always going to be looked at through the microscope for whatever we do - whether it's tackles or those big collisions. A lot of the politics I don't want to get into, but it is tough and us boys try to stick with each other and support each other. We definitely know how Alesana is feeling."

Change and legacy were strong themes at Tonga's press conference before the match. Piutau, an older brother of Charles, told the Herald the only significant changes he can see in the near future is the gradual improvement of nations such as Japan, Namibia and Georgia.

While that's good news for them, the bad news for the Pacific Island teams is they appear to have slipped. Fiji were unlucky to be placed in the group of death but have been the best performing team. Samoa performed poorly, and Tonga - not taking into account this morning's match - have also disappointed after losing their opener to Georgia.

Some of the blame for that can probably be put down to the resources allocated by World Rugby to the financially poor Island nations, but also the standard of coaching and management that prevails.

"To be honest, I don't think we're going to see any change happen soon," Piutau, 30, said. "We talk about rugby being a world sport [but] for us Island teams we've had to put up with not having enough resources. The truth of it is a lot of us players are professionals and having to come and play for your country - yes, it's saddening but we just get on with it."

Asked if it was frustrating for professional players having to leave their overseas clubs and enter an amateur set-up when representing their country, Piutau, who plays for Japanese side Yamaha Jubilo, said: "A lot of people don't understand what actually happens. A lot of our supporters out there just see us on the field and think we should be performing at a high level.

"But the truth is you can't have it both ways. You can't play at a professional level at a World Cup or at top level and operate at a different level [off the field]. Us players just try to make do with what we've got. We don't try to use that as an excuse - it is what it is."

Piutau, who said he helped comfort Charles after his non-selection for the All Blacks, is nearing the end of his Tonga career. Speaking to the media before the All Blacks' match he, like the rest of his teammates and coach Mana Otai, were prepared to go out with a bang with a victory, but what ever happened, the married father of three daughters and a son - all of whom have been in England in support - was determined to leave on a high.

"It will most likely be my last World Cup so I wanted it to be a memorable one for me and my family."